U.S. patent application number 15/992391 was filed with the patent office on 2018-09-27 for dishwasher and controlling method thereof.
This patent application is currently assigned to Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.. The applicant listed for this patent is Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.. Invention is credited to Sang Soo Choi, Seung Gee Hong, Min Ho Jung, Chang Wook Lee, Chan Young Park, Soo Hyung Yoo.
Application Number | 20180271351 15/992391 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 53041704 |
Filed Date | 2018-09-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180271351 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Park; Chan Young ; et
al. |
September 27, 2018 |
DISHWASHER AND CONTROLLING METHOD THEREOF
Abstract
A dishwasher includes a tub that accommodates dishes; a nozzle
assembly that sprays washing water; a vane assembly that is moved
between a first position and a second position of an inside of the
tub and changes a progression path of the washing water so that the
sprayed washing water can be directed toward the dishes; and a
controller that moves the vane assembly to the second position if
the vane assembly is disposed at the first position. When a linear
washing portion washes a small quantity of dishes by spraying
washing water while making a reciprocal motion in part of an inside
of a washing chamber, a washing time can be reduced, and
concentrated washing can also be performed.
Inventors: |
Park; Chan Young; (Suwon-si,
KR) ; Lee; Chang Wook; (Seoul, KR) ; Hong;
Seung Gee; (Suwon-si, KR) ; Yoo; Soo Hyung;
(Incheon, KR) ; Jung; Min Ho; (Suwon-si, KR)
; Choi; Sang Soo; (Taebaek-si, KR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. |
Suwon-si |
|
KR |
|
|
Assignee: |
Samsung Electronics Co.,
Ltd.
Suwon-si
KR
|
Family ID: |
53041704 |
Appl. No.: |
15/992391 |
Filed: |
May 30, 2018 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
14501950 |
Sep 30, 2014 |
10034595 |
|
|
15992391 |
|
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47L 2401/30 20130101;
A47L 2301/04 20130101; A47L 15/16 20130101; A47L 2501/36 20130101;
A47L 15/4223 20130101; A47L 2501/20 20130101; A47L 2301/08
20130101; A47L 2401/34 20130101; A47L 15/4278 20130101; A47L
2401/06 20130101; A47L 15/4282 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A47L 15/42 20060101
A47L015/42; A47L 15/16 20060101 A47L015/16 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Nov 11, 2013 |
KR |
10-2013-0136015 |
Dec 31, 2013 |
KR |
10-2013-0169374 |
Jan 6, 2014 |
KR |
10-2014-0001525 |
Claims
1. A dishwasher comprising: a tub having a bottom surface; a vane
guide across the bottom surface, the bottom surface divided by the
vane guide into a first region and a second region; a nozzle
including a first nozzle disposed on the first region and a second
nozzle disposed on the second region, the first and second nozzles
configured to spray water; a vane configured to move along the vane
guide and redirect the water sprayed from at least one of the first
and second nozzles, a washing region defined by a movement of the
vane; and a controller configured to control the at least one of
the first and second nozzles to spray water, based on the washing
region, and control the vane to reciprocate within the washing
region.
2. The dishwasher according to claim 1, wherein the nozzle is
disposed on one end of the vane guide and the controller controls
the vane to reciprocate between the one end of the vane guide and
another of the vane guide.
3. The dishwasher according to claim 1, wherein the nozzle is
disposed on one end of the vane guide, and the controller controls
the vane to reciprocate between the one end of the vane guide and a
first position located approximately at the center of the vane
guide.
4. The dishwasher according to claim 1, wherein the nozzle is
disposed on one end of the vane guide, and the controller controls
the vane to reciprocate between another end of the vane guide and a
first position located approximately at the center of the vane
guide.
5. The dishwasher according to claim 1, wherein the washing region
is defined based on whether the first nozzle sprays water or the
second nozzle sprays water or both the first and second nozzles
spray water.
6. The dishwasher according to claim 1, further comprising a user
interface configured to receive a user input for defining the
washing region.
7. The dishwasher according to claim 6, the controller controls the
nozzle to spray water from the first nozzle based on whether the
washing region defined by the user input includes the first
region.
8. The dishwasher according to claim 6, the controller controls the
nozzle to spray water from the first and second nozzles based on
whether the washing region defined by the user input includes the
first and second regions.
9. A method of controlling a dishwasher comprising a tub having a
bottom surface and a vane guide dividing the bottom surface into a
first region and a second region, the method comprising: spraying
water from at least one of a first nozzle disposed on the first
region and a second nozzle disposed on the second region; and
moving a vane along the vane guide, the vane configured to redirect
the water sprayed from at least one of the first and second
nozzles, wherein a washing region in the tub is defined by a
movement of the vane.
10. The method according to claim 9, wherein the moving of the vane
comprises reciprocating between one end of the vane guide and
another of the vane guide, and the nozzle is disposed on the one
end of the vane guide.
11. The method according to claim 9, wherein the moving of the vane
comprises reciprocating between one end of the vane guide and a
first position located approximately at the center of the vane
guide, and the nozzle is disposed on the end of the vane guide.
12. The method according to claim 9, wherein the moving of the vane
comprises reciprocating between one end of the vane guide and a
first position located approximately at the center of the vane
guide, and the nozzle is disposed on another end of the vane
guide.
13. The dishwasher according to claim 9, wherein the washing region
is defined based on whether the first nozzle sprays water or the
second nozzle sprays water or both the first and second nozzles
spray water.
14. The dishwasher according to claim 9, further comprising
receiving a user input for defining the washing region through a
user interface.
15. The dishwasher according to claim 14, wherein the spraying of
water comprises spraying water from the first nozzle based on
whether the washing region defined by the user input includes the
first region.
16. The dishwasher according to claim 14, wherein the spraying of
water comprises spraying water from the first and second nozzles
based on whether the washing region defined by the user input
includes the first and second regions.
17. A dishwasher comprising: a tub; a nozzle including a first and
second nozzles disposed in the tub, the first and second nozzles
configured to spray water in a first direction; a vane configured
to move in the first direction and redirect the water sprayed from
at least one of the first and second nozzles; a user interface
configured to receive a user input for defining a washing region;
and a controller configured to control the at least one of the
first and second nozzles to spray water based on the washing region
defined by the user input, and control the vane to reciprocate
within the washing region defined by the user input.
18. The dishwasher according to claim 17, wherein the first and
second nozzles disposed at one side of the tub, and the controller
controls the vane to reciprocate between the one side of the tub
and another side of the tub based on the washing region defined by
the user input.
19. The dishwasher according to claim 17, wherein the first and
second nozzles disposed at one side of the tub, and the controller
controls the vane to reciprocate between the one side of the tub
and a first position located approximately at the center of the tub
based on the washing region defined by the user input.
20. The dishwasher according to claim 17, wherein the first and
second nozzles disposed at one side of the tub, and the controller
controls the vane to reciprocate between another side of the tub
and a first position located approximately at the center of the tub
based on the washing region defined by the user input.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation application of U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 14/501,950 filed on Sep. 30, 2014,
which claims the priority benefit of Korean Patent Application No.
10-2013-0169374 filed on Dec. 31, 2013, Korean Patent Application
No. 10-2013-0136015 filed on Nov. 11, 2013 and Korean Patent
Application No. 10-2014-0001525 filed on Jan. 6, 2014 in the Korean
Intellectual Property Office, the disclosures of which are
incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND
1. Field
[0002] The following description relates to a dishwasher and a
method of controlling the same, and more particularly, to a
dishwasher that sprays washing water toward dishes while making a
reciprocal motion in a tub, and a method of controlling the
dishwasher.
2. Description of the Related Art
[0003] In general, dishwashers are devices that wash dishes by
spraying washing water with a high pressure toward dishes, and
generally undergo a washing operation and a rinsing operation. In
the washing operation, the dishwashers spray washing water and
simultaneously cause detergent to be supplied by a detergent supply
unit so that washing of the dishes can be performed.
[0004] In general, a dishwasher includes a body in which a washing
chamber is formed, a pump that generates a washing water pressure,
a dish basket that accommodates the dishes and is installed in a
washing tub to advance and retreat, a plurality of nozzle
assemblies that spray washing water toward the dish basket, a
connection flow path that connects the pump and the plurality of
nozzle assemblies, and a valve assembly that selectively moves
washing water to the plurality of nozzle assemblies from the pump.
The dishes are washed with the washing water sprayed by the nozzle
assemblies.
[0005] Conventional nozzle assemblies are rotation type nozzle
assemblies that are disposed at upper and lower sides of an upper
dish basket and at an upper side of a lower dish basket. Such
rotation type spraying units are rotated by reaction in which
washing water with a high pressure is sprayed. However, when the
nozzle assemblies are disposed to be rotated, a blind spot, in
which sprayed washing water does not reach edges of the washing tub
disposed in a rectangular shape, is formed.
SUMMARY
[0006] Therefore, it is an aspect of the present disclosure to
provide a dishwasher in which washing water is capable of being
sprayed toward edges of a washing tub, and a method of controlling
the dishwasher.
[0007] It is an aspect of the present disclosure to provide a
dishwasher in which washing water is sprayed toward only part of a
washing tub so that a washing time can be reduced and consumed
energy can be reduced, and a method of controlling the
dishwasher.
[0008] Additional aspects of the disclosure will be set forth in
part in the description which follows and, in part, will be obvious
from the description, or may be learned by practice of the
disclosure.
[0009] In accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure, a
dishwasher includes: a tub that accommodates dishes; a nozzle
assembly that sprays washing water; a vane assembly that is moved
between a first position and a second position of an inside of the
tub and changes a progression path of the washing water so that the
sprayed washing water can be directed toward the dishes; and a
controller that moves the vane assembly to the second position if
the vane assembly is disposed at the first position.
[0010] The dishwasher may further include a vane guide that guides
movement of the vane assembly, wherein the nozzle assembly may be
installed at one end of the vane guide.
[0011] The first position may be disposed adjacent to the nozzle
assembly.
[0012] If the vane assembly is not disposed at the first position,
the controller may move the vane assembly to the first
position.
[0013] The second position may be formed at the other end of the
vane guide, and the controller may detect a movement time at which
the vane assembly is moved to the second position.
[0014] If the movement time is equal to or greater than a
predetermined reference time, the controller may stop the movement
of the vane assembly.
[0015] The dishwasher may further include a position detector that
detects whether the vane assembly is disposed at the first
position.
[0016] The position detector may include: a position identification
member that is installed at the vane assembly; and a position
detection sensor that is installed at the first position and
detects the position identification member.
[0017] If the position detection sensor detects the position
identification member, the controller may move the vane assembly to
the second position.
[0018] The position identification member may include a permanent
magnet that generates a magnetic field, and the position detection
sensor may include a hall sensor that senses the magnetic
field.
[0019] The dishwasher may further include an input unit through
which division washing instructions are input from a user.
[0020] The controller may move the vane assembly between a third
position, between the first position and the second position, and
the first position according to the division washing
instructions.
[0021] The controller may move the vane assembly between a fourth
position, between the first position and the second position, and
the second position according to the division washing
instructions.
[0022] The dishwasher may further include an input unit through
which a division washing area is input from a user.
[0023] The controller may move the vane assembly between a fifth
position and a sixth position that correspond to the input division
washing area.
[0024] In accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure, a
dishwasher includes: a tub that accommodates dishes; a linear
washing portion that washes the dishes while moving between a first
position and a second position of an inside of the tub; and a
controller that determines whether the linear washing portion is
disposed at the first position and that moves the linear washing
portion to the second position.
[0025] The first position may be a rear position of the inside of
the tub.
[0026] If the linear washing portion is not disposed at the first
position, the controller may move the linear washing portion to the
first position.
[0027] The second position may be a forward position of the inside
of the tub, and the controller may detect a movement time at which
the linear washing portion is moved to the second position.
[0028] If the movement time is equal to or greater than a
predetermined reference time, the controller may stop movement of
the vane assembly.
[0029] The dishwasher may further include a position detector that
detects whether the linear washing portion is disposed at the first
position.
[0030] The position detector may include: a position identification
member disposed at the linear washing portion; and a position
detection sensor that is disposed at the first position and detects
the position identification member.
[0031] In accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure, a
method of controlling a dishwasher, includes: if a washing
operation starts being performed, determining whether a vane
assembly that is moved between a first position and a second
position and changes a progression path of washing water sprayed by
a nozzle assembly, is disposed at the first position; if the vane
assembly is not disposed at the first position, moving the vane
assembly to the first position; and if the vane assembly is
disposed at the first position, moving the vane assembly to the
second position.
[0032] The first position may be formed at one end of a vane guide
that guides movement of the vane assembly, and the second position
may be formed at the other end of the vane guide.
[0033] The determining of whether the vane assembly is disposed at
the first position may include sensing a position identification
member disposed at the vane assembly using a position detection
sensor disposed at the first position.
[0034] The moving of the vane assembly to the second position may
include detecting a movement time at which the vane assembly is
moved to the second position.
[0035] If the movement time is equal to or greater than a
predetermined reference time, the moving of the vane assembly to
the second position may further include stopping the movement of
the vane assembly.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0036] These and/or other aspects of the disclosure will become
apparent and more readily appreciated from the following
description of the embodiments, taken in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings of which:
[0037] FIG. 1 illustrates a dishwasher according to an embodiment
of the present disclosure;
[0038] FIG. 2 illustrates a linear washing portion included in the
dishwasher illustrated in FIG. 1;
[0039] FIG. 3 illustrates an operation of the linear washing
portion included in the dishwasher of FIG. 1,
[0040] FIG. 4 illustrates a fixed nozzle assembly included in the
dishwasher of FIG. 1;
[0041] FIG. 5 illustrates a vane assembly included in the
dishwasher of FIG. 1;
[0042] FIG. 6 illustrates a vane driving assembly included in the
dishwasher of FIG. 1;
[0043] FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of portion A of FIG. 6;
[0044] FIG. 8 illustrates a control flow of the dishwasher of FIG.
1;
[0045] FIG. 9 illustrates a control panel included in the
dishwasher of FIG. 1;
[0046] FIG. 10 illustrates a position detector included in the
dishwasher of FIG. 1;
[0047] FIG. 11 illustrates a dishwasher according to an embodiment
of the present disclosure;
[0048] FIG. 12 illustrates a lower portion of the dishwasher
illustrated in FIG. 11;
[0049] FIG. 13 illustrates a structure of a flow path of the
dishwasher of FIG. 11;
[0050] FIG. 14 illustrates a configuration of a vane assembly and a
configuration of a vane driving assembly included in the dishwasher
of FIG. 11;
[0051] FIG. 15 illustrates a configuration of the vane assembly
included in the dishwasher of FIG. 11;
[0052] FIG. 16 illustrates a configuration of a belt and a
configuration of a vane carrier included in the dishwasher of FIG.
11;
[0053] FIGS. 17 and 18 illustrate a configuration of a bottom plate
cover included in the dishwasher of FIG. 11;
[0054] FIG. 19 illustrates a state in which a vane guide and a
fixed nozzle assembly included in the dishwasher of FIG. 11 are
fixed to the bottom plate cover;
[0055] FIG. 20 illustrates a control flow of the dishwasher of FIG.
11;
[0056] FIG. 21 illustrates a control panel included in the
dishwasher of FIG. 11;
[0057] FIGS. 22 and 23 illustrate an example of a position detector
included in the dishwasher of FIG. 11;
[0058] FIGS. 24 and 25 illustrate an example of the position
detector included in the dishwasher of FIG. 11;
[0059] FIG. 26 is a flowchart for describing a vane movement
control method based on a vane movement direction matching
operation according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0060] FIGS. 27 and 28 are a flowchart and a cross-sectional view
for describing a vane movement control method based on a vane
initialization operation according to an embodiment of the present
disclosure;
[0061] FIG. 29 is a flowchart for describing a vane movement
control method based on a vane initialization operation according
to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0062] FIGS. 30 and 31 are a flowchart and a cross-sectional view
for describing a vane movement control method based on a whole
washing operation according to an embodiment of the present
disclosure;
[0063] FIG. 32 is a flowchart for describing a vane movement
control method based on a whole washing operation according to an
embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0064] FIGS. 33 and 34 are a flowchart and a cross-sectional view
for describing a vane movement control method based on a rear
washing operation according to an embodiment of the present
disclosure;
[0065] FIG. 35 is a flowchart for describing a vane movement
control method based on a rear washing operation according to an
embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0066] FIGS. 36 and 37 are a flowchart and a cross-sectional view
for describing a vane movement control method based on a front
washing operation according to an embodiment of the present
disclosure;
[0067] FIG. 38 is a flowchart for describing a vane movement
control method based on a front washing operation according to an
embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0068] FIG. 39 illustrates a vane movement control method based on
a left washing operation according to an embodiment of the present
disclosure;
[0069] FIG. 40 illustrates a vane movement control method based on
a right washing operation according to an embodiment of the present
disclosure;
[0070] FIG. 41 is a flowchart for describing a division washing
operation according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0071] FIGS. 42A and 42B illustrate a washing area inputting method
according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0072] FIGS. 43A and 43B illustrate a washing area inputting method
according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and
[0073] FIGS. 44 and 45 are a flowchart and a cross-sectional view
for describing a vane movement control method according to division
washing according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0074] Embodiments described in the specification and
configurations shown in the drawings of the specification are
merely exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, and there
may be various modified examples that may replace the embodiments
and the drawings of the specification at the time of filing an
application of the present disclosure.
[0075] Reference will now be made in detail to the embodiments,
examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings,
wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout.
The embodiments are described below to explain the present
disclosure by referring to the figures.
[0076] Hereinafter, a dishwasher according to an embodiment of the
present disclosure and a method of controlling the dishwasher will
be described in detail with reference to the accompanying
drawings.
[0077] FIG. 1 illustrates a dishwasher according to an embodiment
of the present disclosure.
[0078] Referring to FIG. 1, a dishwasher 1 includes a body 10 that
constitutes an exterior of the dishwasher 1 and a tub 30 which is
disposed in the body 10 and in which washing of dishes is
performed. Front sides of the body 10 and the tub 30 are opened,
and a door 11 is disposed at the opened front sides of the body 10
and the tub 30 to shield an inside of the tub 30 from the
outside.
[0079] Also, a control panel 90 is disposed at an upper part of the
front side of the body 10 to receive manipulation instructions from
a user and to display operating information of the dishwasher 1.
The control panel 90 will be described in detail below.
[0080] A dish accommodation portion 20 that accommodates dishes,
rotatable spray nozzles 61 and 63 that wash the dishes by spraying
washing water while rotating, a linear washing portion 100 that
washes the dishes by spraying washing water while making a
reciprocal motion, a washing water supply portion 40 that
accommodates the washing water and supplies the accommodated
washing water to the rotatable spray nozzles 61 and 63 and the
linear washing portion 100, and a drainage portion 50 that drains
the washing water accommodated in the washing water supply portion
40, are disposed in the tub 30.
[0081] The dish accommodation portion 20 includes a basket 21, of
which an upper side is opened and which accommodates the dishes,
and a slide rail 22 that movably supports the basket 21.
[0082] The basket 21 includes a first basket 21a disposed at an
upper side of the inside of the tub 30 and a second basket 21b
disposed at a lower side of the inside of the tub 30, and the slide
rail 22 includes a first slide rail 22a that movably supports the
first basket 21a and a second slide rail 22b that movably supports
the second basket 21b.
[0083] In detail, the first basket 21a is installed at an upper
side of the inside of the tub 30 to advance and retreat due to the
first slide rail 22a, and the second basket 21b is installed at a
lower side of the inside of the tub 30 to advance and retreat due
to the second slide rail 22b. In this way, the first basket 21a and
the second basket 21b are installed in the tub 30 to advance and
retreat so the user may cause the first basket 21a or the second
basket 21b to protrude from the front side of the body 10 and may
insert or remove the dishes in or from the first basket 21a or the
second basket 21b.
[0084] Also, the first basket 21a and the second basket 21b are
composed of wires disposed in the form of a lattice in which the
dishes accommodated in the first basket 21a and the second basket
21b are exposed to an outside of the basket 21 and can be washed
with the washing water.
[0085] The washing water supply portion 40 includes a sump 43 that
is disposed on a bottom surface of the tub 30 and accommodates the
washing water sprayed by the rotatable spray nozzles 61 and 63 or
the linear washing portion 100, and a circulation pump 41 that
pumps the washing water accommodated in the sump 43 to the
rotatable spray nozzles 61 and 63 or the linear washing portion
100.
[0086] The drainage portion 50 includes a drainage pump 51 that
discharges the washing water accommodated in the sump 43 to the
outside of the dishwasher 1. The drainage pump 51 discharges the
washing water accommodated in the sump 43 to the outside of the
dishwasher 1 if a washing operation or a rinsing operation is
finished.
[0087] The washing water accommodated in the sump 43 is supplied
with a high pressure to the rotatable spray nozzles 61 and 63 or
the linear washing portion 100 due to the circulation pump 41. The
washing water supplied with the high pressure is sprayed toward the
dishes accommodated in the basket 21 through the rotatable spray
nozzles 61 and 63 or the linear washing portion 100. The washing
water sprayed to the dishes is accommodated in the sump 43 again.
In this way, the dishes are washed with the washing water while the
washing water circulates the inside of the tub 30 due to the
circulation pump 41. If washing is finished, the washing water is
discharged to the outside of the dishwasher 1 due to the drainage
pump 51.
[0088] The rotatable spray nozzles 61 and 63 include a first
rotatable spray nozzle 61 and a second rotatable spray nozzle 63
that spray the washing water toward the dishes while rotating, and
a supply pipe 65 that guides the washing water accommodated in the
washing water supply portion 40 to the first rotatable spray nozzle
61 and the second rotatable spray nozzle 63. The first rotatable
spray nozzle 61 and the second rotatable spray nozzle 63 spray the
washing water diagonally and in a vertical direction and rotate due
to reaction of the sprayed washing water.
[0089] Also, the first rotatable spray nozzle 61 is installed above
the first basket 21a and sprays the washing water toward the dishes
accommodated in the first basket 21a, and the second rotatable
spray nozzle 63 is installed between the first basket 21a and the
second basket 21b and sprays the washing water toward the dishes
accommodated in the first basket 21a and the second basket 21b.
[0090] The linear washing portion 100 washes the dishes
accommodated in the basket 21 while making a reciprocal motion. In
FIG. 1, the linear washing portion 100 is disposed on the bottom of
the tub 30, i.e., at a lower side of the second basket 21b.
However, embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited
thereto. The linear washing portion 100 may be disposed in the
center of the inside of the tub 30, i.e., between the first basket
21a and the second basket 21b or at an upper side of the first
basket 21a.
[0091] The linear washing portion 100 may include a fixed nozzle
assembly 300 that sprays the washing water, and a vane assembly 400
that changes a progression path of the washing water sprayed by the
fixed nozzle assembly 300 while making a reciprocal motion.
[0092] The fixed nozzle assembly 300 may be disposed at one side of
the inside of the tub 30. That is, the fixed nozzle assembly 300
may be disposed at the front (hereinafter, for understanding, a
direction in which the door 11 is disposed, is referred to as a
front), at the rear, on a left or right side of the inside of the
tub 30. However, a movement direction of the vane assembly 400 may
vary according to the position of the fixed nozzle assembly 300.
For example, when the fixed nozzle assembly 300 is disposed at the
rear or at the front of the inside of the tub 30, the vane assembly
400 may make a reciprocal motion in a forward/backward direction of
the inside of the tub 30, and when the fixed nozzle assembly 300 is
disposed on the left side or the right side of the inside of the
tub 30, the vane assembly 400 may make a reciprocal motion to the
right and left of the inside of the tub 30.
[0093] The linear washing portion 100 included in the dishwasher 1
includes the fixed nozzle assembly 300, of which position is fixed,
and the vane assembly 400 that makes a reciprocal motion. However,
embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. The
linear washing portion 100 may include a spray nozzle that sprays
the washing water toward the dishes accommodated in the basket 21
while making a reciprocal motion in the tub 30.
[0094] When the spray nozzle makes a reciprocal motion, the spray
nozzle may spray the washing water toward the dishes accommodated
in the basket 21 and simultaneously may make a reciprocal motion in
the tub 30. For example, the spray nozzle may spray the washing
water toward the dishes while making a reciprocal motion in the
forward/backward direction of the tub 30 or to the right and left
of the tub 30.
[0095] Hereinafter, the linear washing portion 100 will be
described in detail.
[0096] FIG. 2 illustrates the linear washing portion 100 included
in the dishwasher 1 illustrated in FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 illustrates
an operation of the linear washing portion 100 included in the
dishwasher 1 of FIG. 1.
[0097] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the linear washing portion 100
may further include the fixed nozzle assembly 300 that sprays the
washing water supplied by the washing water supply portion 40, a
distribution valve assembly 200 that supplies the washing water to
the linear washing portion 100 or the rotatable spray nozzles 61
and 63, the vane assembly 400 that changes the progression path of
the washing water sprayed by the fixed nozzle assembly 300 while
making a reciprocal motion, and a vane driving assembly 500 that
moves the vane assembly 400.
[0098] When briefly describing the operation of the linear washing
portion 100, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the fixed nozzle assembly
300 sprays the washing water in a first direction D1 toward the
vane assembly 400. The progression path of the sprayed washing
water is changed by the vane assembly 400 into a second direction
D2 toward the basket 21, and the dishes accommodated in the basket
21 are washed with the washing water, of which progression
direction is changed into a direction of the basket 21. In this
case, the vane assembly 400 may cause the washing water to wash all
of the dishes accommodated in the basket 21 while making a
reciprocal motion.
[0099] FIG. 4 illustrates the fixed nozzle assembly 300 included in
the dishwasher 1 of FIG. 1. In detail, FIG. 4 is a front view of
the tub 30 of the dishwasher 1 of FIG. 1.
[0100] Referring to FIG. 4, the fixed nozzle assembly 300 includes
a left spray nozzle 330 that is disposed at a lower side, the rear,
and on the left of the inside of the tub 30 and sprays the washing
water, a left flow path 333 on which the washing water supplied
with the high pressure from the circulation pump (see 41 of FIG. 1)
is guided toward the left spray nozzle 330, a right spray nozzle
340 that is disposed at a lower side, the rear, and on the right of
the dishwasher 1 and sprays the washing water, and a right flow
path 343 on which the washing water supplied with the high pressure
from the circulation pump (see 41 of FIG. 1) is guided toward the
right spray nozzle 340. The fixed nozzle assembly 300 according to
an embodiment of the present disclosure includes two spray nozzles
330 and 340 that spray the washing water. However, embodiments of
the present disclosure are not limited thereto, and the fixed
nozzle assembly 300 may include one nozzle or three or more
nozzles.
[0101] The left spray nozzle 330 includes three spray holes 331
into which the washing water is sprayed. The right spray nozzle 340
includes three spray holes 341 into which the washing water is
sprayed. Each of the spray nozzles 330 and 340 disposed in the
dishwasher 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure
includes three spray holes 331 and 341. However, embodiments of the
present disclosure are not limited thereto, and each of the spray
nozzles 330 and 340 may include one spray hole, two spray holes, or
four or more spray holes.
[0102] The distribution valve assembly 200 is disposed on the left
flow path 333, a central flow path 65, and the right flow path 343
and may employ a disk valve or cylinder valve that opens/closes the
left flow path 333, the central flow path 65, and the right flow
path 343.
[0103] FIG. 5 illustrates a vane assembly included in the
dishwasher of FIG. 1, and FIG. 6 illustrates a vane driving
assembly included in the dishwasher of FIG. 1, and FIG. 7 is an
enlarged view of portion A of FIG. 6.
[0104] As illustrated in FIGS. 5 through 7, a vane guide 510 is
disposed across the front and the rear of the inside of the tub 30,
and the vane assembly 400 makes a reciprocal motion on the vane
guide 510 by receiving a movement force from the vane driving
assembly 500.
[0105] The vane guide 510 is disposed across the inside of the tub
30 from the front (for understanding, a direction in which the door
11 of the dishwasher is disposed, is referred to as the front.) of
the tub 30 to the rear (for understanding, an opposite direction to
the direction in which the door 11 of the dishwasher 1 is disposed,
is referred to as the rear.) of the tub 30 and guides the
reciprocal motion of the vane assembly 400.
[0106] The vane assembly 400 includes a vane 410 in which a
reflection portion 411 that changes a direction of the washing
water sprayed by the fixed nozzle assembly 300 is formed, a vane
roller 417 that is disposed on both ends of the vane 410 and
maintains balance of the vane 410, a vane carrier 420 that receives
the movement force from the vane driving assembly 500, and a vane
holder 430 that fixes the vane 410 to the vane carrier 420.
[0107] The vane 410 extends long along a direction in which the
three spray holes 331 of the left spray nozzle 330 and the three
spray holes 341 of the right spray nozzle 340 are disposed, to
change the direction of the washing water sprayed by the left spray
nozzle 330 and the right spray nozzle 340.
[0108] Also, the reflection portion 411 is formed in the vane 410
at a position at which the vane 410 faces the fixed nozzle assembly
300, and the reflection portion 411 changes a progression path of
the washing water sprayed so that the washing water sprayed by the
fixed nozzle assembly 300 can be sprayed toward the dishes of the
basket 21. Also, the reflection portion 411 may be disposed to have
different inclination angles according to its position so that the
washing water sprayed by the fixed nozzle assembly 300 can be
sprayed in various directions.
[0109] The vane roller 417 is supported by a support rail 39
disposed on an inner wall of the tub 30 and maintains balance of
the vane 410 while the vane 410 makes a reciprocal motion along the
vane guide 510. The vane roller 417 is not an essential
configuration. In other words, when the vane assembly 400 does not
include the vane roller 417, both ends of the vane 410 may also be
supported by the support rail 39.
[0110] The vane holder 430 is disposed at a position at which the
vane 410 is mounted on the vane guide 510 and is formed to surround
an outer surface of the vane guide 510. The vane holder 430 stably
fixes the vane 410 to the vane carrier 420 so that, when the vane
carrier 420 is moved by the vane driving assembly 500, the vane 410
can be moved together with the vane carrier 420.
[0111] The vane carrier 420 is disposed in the vane guide 510, and
a tooth form 421 that receives a movement force from a driving belt
540 that will be described later is formed in the vane carrier 420,
and the tooth form 421 is coupled to the vane holder 430 so that
the movement force received from the driving belt 540 can be
transferred to the vane 410. In other words, the tooth form 421 of
the vane carrier 420 and a tooth form 541 of the driving belt 540
engage with each other. Thus, the movement force of the driving
belt 540 is transferred to the vane holder 430 and the vane 410 via
the vane carrier 420.
[0112] Also, the vane driving assembly 500 includes a vane driving
motor 520 that generates a driving force for moving the vane
assembly 400, a driving pulley 530 that is connected to a driving
shaft 521 of the vane driving motor 520 and rotates, the driving
belt 540 that transfers a rotational force of the driving pulley
530 to the vane carrier 420, and a driven pulley 550 that rotates
together with the driving pulley 530 due to the driving belt
540.
[0113] The vane driving motor 520 generates a rotational force for
moving the vane assembly 400 connected to the vane holder 430. A
direct current (DC) motor, an alternating current (AC) motor, or a
stepping motor that may be rotated in both directions, such as a
clockwise direction and a counterclockwise direction, may be used
as the vane driving motor 520. However, embodiments of the present
disclosure are not limited thereto, and any type of motor that may
be rotated in both directions may be used as the vane driving motor
520.
[0114] Also, the vane driving motor 520 may include an encoder that
selectively detects rotation displacement of the vane driving motor
520. When the vane driving motor 520 includes an encoder, the
dishwasher 1 may calculate a movement distance of the vane assembly
400 caused by rotation of the vane driving motor 520. For example,
a product that is obtained by multiplying rotation displacement
detected by the encoder by a radius of the driving pulley 530
becomes the movement distance of the vane assembly 400.
[0115] The driving belt 540 is wound around the driving pulley 530
and the driven pulley 550 to form a closed curve and makes a
circulation motion according to rotation of the vane driving motor
520.
[0116] Also, the tooth form 541 for transferring the movement force
of the driving belt 540 to the vane carrier 420 is formed on an
inner surface of the driving belt 540. That is, the tooth form 541
of the driving belt 540 and the tooth form 421 of the vane carrier
420 that will be described later are engaged with each other so
that the vane carrier 420 can be moved toward the front of the tub
30 or the rear of the tub 30 according to the movement direction of
the driving belt 540.
[0117] Also, the vane holder 430 and the vane 410 are moved
together according to the movement of the vane carrier 420.
[0118] FIG. 8 illustrates a control flow of the dishwasher of FIG.
1, and FIG. 9 illustrates a control panel included in the
dishwasher of FIG. 1, and FIG. 10 illustrates a position detector
included in the dishwasher of FIG. 1.
[0119] Referring to FIGS. 8 through 10, the dishwasher 1 may
include an input unit 110, a display unit 120, a position detector
130, a driving unit 140, a storage unit 150, and a controller 190
in addition to the above-described configuration.
[0120] The input unit 110 includes a plurality of manipulation
buttons 91, 92, 93, and 94 which are disposed on the control panel
90 and to which manipulation instructions on the dishwasher 1 are
input from the user.
[0121] In detail, the input unit 110 includes a power button 91
through which power is input to the dishwasher 1, an operating
button 92 through which the dishwasher 1 operates, a course button
93 for selecting a washing course, and a separation washing button
94 through which the inside of the tub 30 is divided into a
plurality of washing areas and washing instructions on the
plurality of washing areas are input.
[0122] A micro switch, a membrane switch, or a touchpad, for
example, may be used as a plurality of manipulation buttons 91, 92,
93 and 94.
[0123] The separation washing button 94 includes a left washing
button 94a through which left washing instructions for washing the
dishes accommodated on the left of the basket (see 21 of FIG. 1)
are input, a right washing button 94b through which right washing
instructions for washing the dishes accommodated on the right of
the basket (see 21 of FIG. 1) are input, a front washing button 94c
through which front washing instructions for washing the dishes
accommodated at the front of the basket (see 21 of FIG. 1) are
input, and a rear, or back, washing button 94d through which rear
washing instructions for washing the dishes accommodated at the
rear of the basket (see 21 of FIG. 1) are input. Operations using
the buttons 94a, 94b, 94c, and 94d included in the separation
washing button 94 will now be described in detail.
[0124] The display unit 120 includes a display panel 95 that is
disposed on the control panel 90 and displays operating information
of the dishwasher 1. In detail, the display panel 95 may display a
washing area in which a washing operation is performed, from among
the plurality of washing areas, a washing course selected by the
user, an expected washing time or the remaining washing time. A
liquid crystal display (LCD) panel, a light emitting diode (LED)
panel, or an organic light emitting diode (OLED) panel, for
example, may be used as the display panel 95.
[0125] The driving unit 140 drives elements included in the
dishwasher 1 according to control signals of the controller 190
that will be described later. In detail, the driving unit 140
includes a driving circuit (not shown) that generates a driving
current for driving the circulation pump 41, the drainage pump 51,
the distribution valve assembly 200, and the vane driving motor
520.
[0126] For example, the driving unit 140 may include an H-bridge
circuit (not shown) to drive the vane driving assembly 500 that
moves the vane assembly 400 in both directions.
[0127] The storage unit 150 may include volatile memory (not
shown), such as a D-random access memory (RAM) or S-RAM that
temporarily stores temporary data generated during an operation of
controlling the operation of the dishwasher 1 in addition to
non-volatile memory (not shown), such as a magnetic disc or a solid
state disk that permanently stores programs and data for
controlling the operation of the dishwasher 1.
[0128] The controller 190 controls the operation of each of the
elements of the dishwasher 1. In detail, the controller 190
transmits control signals used to control the circulation pump 41,
the drainage pump 51, the distribution valve assembly 200, and the
vane driving motor 520 based on the user's manipulation
instructions input by the input unit 110 to the driving unit
140.
[0129] The controller 190 may include one or more microprocessors
(not shown) that perform an arithmetic operation based on the
programs and the data stored in the storage unit 150.
[0130] The dishwasher 1 may optionally include the position
detector 130. That is, the position detector 130 is not an
essential element.
[0131] The position detector 130 includes a position identification
member 131 disposed on the vane assembly 400 and a position
detection sensor 132 that detects the position identification
member 131.
[0132] The position identification member 131 may be disposed on
the vane assembly 400.
[0133] For example, the position identification member 131 may be
attached onto one end of the vane 410, a bottom surface or top
surface of the vane holder 430, or a bottom surface or top surface
of the vane carrier 420. That is, the position identification
member 131 may be attached to the vane assembly 400 and may be
moved together with the vane assembly 400.
[0134] The position detection sensor 132 is installed to correspond
to the position of the position identification member 131. However,
unlike the position identification member 131, the position
detection sensor 132 may be disposed at a position at which the
position detection sensor 132 is not moved together with the vane
assembly 400.
[0135] For example, if the position identification member 131 is
attached onto one end of the vane 410, the position detection
sensor 132 may be installed on the support rail (see 39 of FIG. 5),
and if the position identification member 131 is attached onto the
top surface of the vane holder 430 or the top surface of the vane
carrier 420, the position detection sensor 132 may be installed at
the top surface of the vane guide 510.
[0136] Also, if the position identification member 131 is attached
onto the bottom surface of the vane holder 430 or the bottom
surface of the vane carrier 420, the position detection sensor 132
may be installed at the bottom surface of the vane guide 510 or the
bottom surface of the tub 30.
[0137] In this way, the position detection sensor 132 may be
disposed at any position at which the position detection sensor 132
may sense a magnetic field of a permanent magnet 152 while the vane
assembly 400 is moved. In other words, the position detection
sensor 132 may be disposed at any position of a movement path of
the vane assembly 400.
[0138] Also, a position of the vane assembly 400 at which the
position detection sensor 132 senses the magnetic field of the
permanent magnet 152 while the vane assembly 400 is moved, becomes
a reference position.
[0139] For example, when the position identification member 131 is
disposed at the vane holder 430 or the vane carrier 420 and the
position detection sensor 132 is disposed at the rearmost position
of the vane guide 510, i.e., in the vicinity of the fixed nozzle
assembly 300, the reference position is a position that is the
rearmost position of the vane guide 510, i.e., closest to the fixed
nozzle assembly 300.
[0140] Also, when the position identification member 131 is
disposed at the vane holder 430 or the vane carrier 420 and the
position detection sensor 132 is disposed at the foremost position
of the vane guide 510, i.e., in the vicinity of the door 11, the
reference position is the foremost position of the vane guide
510.
[0141] Of course, the position detection sensor 132 may also be
disposed at an arbitrary position of the movement path of the vane
assembly 400. For example, the position detection sensor 132 may
also be disposed in the center of the vane guide 510.
[0142] It is assumed that the position detection sensor 132 is
disposed at one side of the vane guide 510, i.e., the rearmost or
the foremost position of the vane guide 510. However, this is for
understanding, and embodiments of the present disclosure are not
limited thereto.
[0143] In addition, two position detection sensors 132 in total may
be disposed at the rearmost position and the foremost position of
the vane guide 510 respectively. In this case, the reference
position may include a first reference position that is the
rearmost position of a guide rail 160 and a second reference
position that is the foremost position of the guide rail 160.
[0144] It is also assumed that the position detector 130 includes
the position identification member 131 and the position detection
sensor 132. However, embodiments of the present disclosure are not
limited thereto.
[0145] A permanent magnet that generates a magnetic field may be
used as the position identification member 131, and a hall sensor
that senses a magnetic field generated by the permanent magnet may
be used as the position detection sensor 132.
[0146] In addition, each of the position identification member 131
and the position detection sensor 132 may include protrusions and a
micro switch, a permanent magnet and a reed switch, an infrared
sensor module, a capacitive type proximity sensor, an ultrasonic
sensor module, and a current detection sensor, for example.
However, the disclosure is not limited to the sensors described
above, and may include any type of sensor suitable for detecting a
position.
[0147] For example, when the position detector 130 includes
protrusions and a micro switch, the protrusions may be formed on
the bottom surface of the vane holder 430, and the micro switch may
be disposed at one side of the vane guide 510. When the vane
assembly 400 is disposed at the reference position, the protrusions
pressurize the micro switch so that the position detector 130 can
sense that the vane assembly 400 is disposed at the reference
position.
[0148] As an example, when the position detector 130 includes an
infrared sensor module, the infrared sensor module may be disposed
at one side of the vane guide 510. If the vane assembly 400 is
disposed at the reference position, infrared rays emitted from the
infrared sensor module may be reflected on the vane assembly 400,
and the infrared sensor module may receive reflected light. In this
way, if the infrared sensor module receives the reflected light,
the position detector 130 may sense that the vane assembly 400 is
disposed at the reference position.
[0149] In addition, the position detector 130 may include a
capacitive type proximity sensor that senses a change of an
electrostatic capacity caused by the vane assembly 400 and an
ultrasonic sensor module that emits ultrasonic waves and detects
reflected waves reflected by the vane assembly 400.
[0150] Also, the dishwasher 1 includes the position detector 130
that detects whether the vane assembly 400 is disposed at the
reference position. However, the dishwasher 1 may not include the
position detector 130.
[0151] For example, the vane driving motor 520 actuates so that the
vane assembly 400 can be moved toward one side of the vane guide
510, and while the vane driving motor 520 is actuating, a driving
current supplied to the vane driving motor 520 may be detected, and
if the magnitude of the detected driving current is equal to or
greater than a predetermined reference current, it may be
determined that the vane assembly 400 is disposed at the rearmost
position of the vane guide 510.
[0152] The dishwasher 1 includes the position identification member
131 and the position detection sensor 132 and defines the reference
position so that the vane assembly 400 can be stably moved, in
detail, so that the dishwasher 1 can recognize the position of the
vane assembly 400 and can move the vane assembly 400 based on the
recognized position of the vane assembly 400.
[0153] The reference position is defined using the position
identification member 131 and the position detection sensor 132 so
that the dishwasher 1 can recognize the position of the vane
assembly 400, can move the vane assembly 400 on a predetermined
movement path, and can dispose the vane assembly 400 at a
predetermined position.
[0154] In other words, the reference position may be a reference
position of movement of the vane assembly 400. In detail, the
dishwasher 1 may move the vane assembly 400 based on the reference
position to calculate the position of the vane assembly 400.
[0155] For example, when the dishwasher 1 disposes the vane
assembly 400 at a particular position, the dishwasher 1 moves the
vane assembly 400 based on the reference position to move the vane
assembly 400 to a desired position.
[0156] For this reason, if a washing operation or rinsing operation
of the dishwasher 1 starts being performed or is finished, the
dishwasher 1 disposes the vane assembly 400 at the reference
position. That is, the reference position may be a position at
which the vane assembly 400 starts moving and a position at which
the vane assembly 400 finishes movement.
[0157] FIG. 11 illustrates a dishwasher according to an embodiment
of the present disclosure, and FIG. 12 illustrates a lower portion
of the dishwasher illustrated in FIG. 11.
[0158] First, a schematic configuration of the dishwasher will be
described with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12.
[0159] A dishwasher 1 includes a body 10 that constitutes an
exterior of the dishwasher 1, a tub 30 disposed in the body 10,
baskets 22a and 22b disposed in the tub 30 to accommodate dishes,
rotatable spray nozzles 61 and 63 and a fixed nozzle assembly 300
that spray washing water, a sump 43 in which the washing water is
stored, a circulation pump 41 that supplies the washing water of
the sump 43 to the rotatable spray nozzles 61 and 63 and the fixed
nozzle assembly 300, a distribution valve assembly 200 that
distributes the washing water to the rotatable spray nozzles 61 and
63 and the fixed nozzle assembly 300, a drainage pump 51 that
discharges the washing water of the sump 43 to the outside of the
body 10 together with filth, a vane assembly 400 that moves in the
tub 30 and reflects the washing water toward the dishes, and a vane
driving assembly 500 that drives the vane assembly 400.
[0160] The tub 30 may have a shape of a box, of which the front is
opened, so that the dishes can be put in or taken out from the
opened front of the tub 30. The opened front of the tub 30 may be
opened/closed by a door 11. The tub 30 may have an upper wall 31, a
rear wall 32, a left wall 33, a right wall 34, and a bottom plate
35.
[0161] The baskets 22a and 22b may be wire racks configured of
wires so that the washing water can pass through the wires without
being gathered. The baskets 22a and 22b may be detachably disposed
in the tub 30. The baskets 22a and 22b may include an upper basket
22a disposed at an upper portion of the tub 30 and a lower basket
22b disposed at a lower portion of the tub 30.
[0162] The rotatable spray nozzles 61 and 63 may spray the washing
water with a high pressure so that the dishes can be washed. The
rotatable spray nozzles 61 and 63 include an upper rotation nozzle
61 disposed at an upper portion of the tub 30 and an intermediate
rotation nozzle 63 disposed in the center of the tub 30.
[0163] The rotatable spray nozzles 61 and 63 spray the washing
water through spray holes 62 and 64 formed in the upper rotation
nozzle 61 and the intermediate rotation nozzle 63 and rotate due to
reaction caused by spraying the washing water.
[0164] The fixed nozzle assembly 300 is disposed at a lower portion
of the tub 30, is provided not to be moved, unlike the rotatable
spray nozzles 61 and 63, and is fixed to one side of the tub 30.
The fixed nozzle assembly 300 may be disposed adjacent to the rear
wall 32 of the tub 30 and may spray the washing water toward the
front of the tub 30. Thus, the washing water sprayed by the fixed
nozzle assembly 300 may not be sprayed directly toward the
dishes.
[0165] The fixed nozzle assembly 300 may include a left fixed
nozzle 330 disposed on the left of the tub 30 and a right fixed
nozzle 340 disposed on the right of the tub 30.
[0166] The washing water sprayed by the fixed nozzle assembly 300
may be reflected toward the dishes by the vane assembly 400. The
fixed nozzle assembly 300 may be disposed below the lower basket
22b, and the vane assembly 400 may reflect the washing water
sprayed by the fixed nozzle assembly 300 upward.
[0167] The vane assembly 400 may include a vane 410 that extends
long in a right/left direction of the tub 30 to reflect all
quantities of the washing water sprayed by the fixed nozzle
assembly 300. The vane 410 may make a linear reciprocal motion
along the spray direction of the washing water sprayed by the fixed
nozzle assembly 300. That is, the vane 410 may make a linear
reciprocal motion along a forward/backward direction of the tub
30.
[0168] Thus, a linear spray structure including the fixed nozzle
assembly 300 and the vane assembly 400 may wash all areas of the
tub 30 without forming a blind spot. The distribution valve
assembly 200 distributes the washing water so that the rotatable
spray nozzles 61 and 63 and the fixed nozzle assembly 300 can spray
the washing water independently. Furthermore, the distribution
valve assembly 200 distributes the washing water so that the left
fixed nozzle 330 and the right fixed nozzle 340 of the fixed nozzle
assembly 300 can spray the washing water independently.
[0169] Thus, the dishwasher 1 may divide the tub 30 into right and
left sides independently to wash the dishes. Of course, the
dishwasher 1 may subdivide the tub 30 as needed in addition to
division of the tub 30 into right and left sides.
[0170] Hereinafter, a main configuration of the dishwasher 1
according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be
sequentially described.
[0171] FIG. 13 illustrates a structure of a flow path of the
dishwasher 1 of FIG. 11.
[0172] Referring to FIG. 13, the sump 43, the circulation pump 41,
the distribution valve assembly 200, the fixed nozzle assembly 300,
and the rotatable spray nozzles 61 and 63 are involved in
circulation and spraying of the washing water.
[0173] The washing water sprayed by the fixed nozzle assembly 300
or the rotatable spray nozzles 61 and 63 is accommodated in the
sump 43, and the washing water accommodated in the sump 43 is
pumped by the circulation pump 41 to the distribution valve
assembly 200.
[0174] The distribution valve assembly 200 distributes the washing
water pumped by the circulation pump 41 to the rotatable spray
nozzles 61 and 63, the left fixed nozzle 330, and the right fixed
nozzle 340.
[0175] Also, the distribution valve assembly 200 may operate in a
plurality of distribution modes in which the washing water is
distributed. For example, the distribution valve assembly 200
operates in first, second, third, and fourth distribution
modes.
[0176] In the first distribution mode, the distribution valve
assembly 200 may distribute the washing water only to the rotatable
spray nozzles 61 and 63 via a second hose 271b, and in the second
distribution mode, the distribution valve assembly 200 may
distribute the washing water only to the right fixed nozzle 340 via
a third hose 271c. Also, in the third distribution mode, the
distribution valve assembly 200 may supply the washing water only
to the left fixed nozzle 330 and the right fixed nozzle 340 via a
first hose 271a and the third hose 271c, and in the fourth
distribution mode, the distribution valve assembly 200 may supply
the washing water only to the left fixed nozzle 330 via the first
hose 271a.
[0177] The washing water distributed to the rotatable spray nozzles
61 and 63 is sprayed by the rotatable spray nozzles 61 and 63
toward the dishes so that the dishes can be washed with the washing
water. Also, the washing water distributed to the left fixed nozzle
330 and the right fixed nozzle 340 is sprayed toward the vane
assembly 400 via the left fixed nozzle 330 and the right fixed
nozzle 340 and is reflected by the vane assembly 400 so that the
dishes can be washed with the washing water.
[0178] The washing water used to wash the dishes is accommodated in
the sump 43 again.
[0179] In this way, the washing water circulates the sump 43, the
circulation pump 41, the distribution valve assembly 200, the
rotatable spray nozzles 61 and 63, and the fixed nozzle assembly
300.
[0180] FIG. 14 illustrates a configuration of a vane assembly and a
configuration of a vane driving assembly included in the dishwasher
of FIG. 11, and FIG. 15 illustrates a configuration of the vane
assembly included in the dishwasher of FIG. 11. Also, FIG. 16
illustrates a configuration of a belt and a configuration of a vane
carrier included in the dishwasher of FIG. 11.
[0181] Referring to FIGS. 14 through 16, the dishwasher 1 includes
the vane assembly 400 that reflects the washing water sprayed by
the fixed nozzle assembly 300 and the vane driving assembly 500
that causes the vane assembly 400 to make a linear reciprocal
motion.
[0182] The vane driving assembly 500 includes a vane guide 510 that
guides movement of the vane assembly 400, a vane driving motor 520
that generates a rotational force for moving the vane assembly 400,
a driving pulley 530 that is coupled to a driving shaft 521 of the
vane driving motor 520 and rotates, a driving belt 540 that is
connected to the driving pulley 530, rotates and is disposed in an
internal space of the vane guide 510, and a driven pulley 550 that
is connected to the driving belt 540 to rotatably support the
driving belt 540.
[0183] The vane guide 510 may be disposed to extend long in a
forward/backward direction in the middle of the left wall (see 33
of FIG. 12) and the right wall (see 34 of FIG. 12) of the tub (see
30 of FIG. 12).
[0184] The vane guide 510 includes a guide rail 511 having a shape
of a pipe, of which an internal space and a lower opening are
formed, a rear holder 512 that rotatably supports the driving
pulley 530 and is coupled to a rear end of the guide rail 511, and
a front holder 513 that rotatably supports the driven pulley 550
and is coupled to a front end of the guide rail 511.
[0185] The guide rail 511 is disposed to extend in the
forward/backward direction in the middle of the left wall (see 33
of FIG. 12) and the right wall (see 34 of FIG. 12) of the tub (see
30 of FIG. 12), and the internal space and the lower opening of the
guide rail 511 may extend from one end to the other end of the
guide rail 511 in a lengthwise direction of the guide rail 511.
[0186] A coupling hole 512a may be formed in the rear holder 512 to
fix the vane guide 510 to a bottom plate cover (see 600 of FIG. 17)
that will be described later, and a coupling protrusion 514 may be
formed on the front holder 513 to fix the vane guide 510 to the
bottom plate (see 35 of FIG. 2).
[0187] The vane driving motor 520 generates a rotational force for
moving the vane assembly 400. A DC motor, an AC motor, or a
stepping motor that may be rotated in both directions, such as a
clockwise direction and a counterclockwise direction, may be used
as the vane driving motor 520. However, embodiments of the present
disclosure are not limited thereto. Any type of motor that may be
rotated in both directions or in a single direction may be used as
the vane driving motor 520.
[0188] Also, the vane driving motor 520 may include an encoder that
selectively detects rotation displacement of the vane driving motor
520. When the vane driving motor 520 includes an encoder, the
dishwasher 1 may calculate a movement distance of the vane assembly
400 due to rotation of the vane driving motor 520. For example, a
product that is obtained by multiplying rotation displacement
detected by the encoder by a radius of the driving pulley 530
becomes the movement distance of the vane assembly 400.
[0189] The driving belt 540 is disposed in the internal space
formed in the guide rail 511, is wound around the driving pulley
530 and the driven pulley 550, and forms a looped curve. Also, the
driving belt 540 may make a rotational motion according to a
rotation direction of the vane driving motor 520 when the vane
driving motor 520 is driven.
[0190] The driving belt 540 may be formed of a resin material
including aramid fiber in consideration of tensile strength and
costs.
[0191] A tooth form 541 may be formed on an inner side surface of
the driving belt 540. The tooth form 541 of the driving belt 540
may transfer a driving force of the driving belt 540 to the vane
assembly 400.
[0192] The vane assembly 400 includes the vane 410 that reflects
the washing water sprayed by the fixed nozzle assembly 300, a vane
carrier 420 to which the driving force is transmitted from the
driving belt 540, and a vane holder 430 that is coupled to the vane
carrier 420 and the vane 410.
[0193] The vane 410 may be disposed to extend in a direction
perpendicular to the vane guide 510.
[0194] The vane 410 may include a reflection, or redirection,
portion 411 that reflects, or redirects, the washing water sprayed
by the fixed nozzle assembly 300, a cap portion 414 that is
disposed in the center of the reflection portion 411 in a
lengthwise direction of the reflection portion 411, a vane roller
417 that causes a smooth movement of the vane 410, and a rotation
hanging portion 419 that is disposed to be interfered by a rotation
guide (see 610 of FIG. 17) of the bottom plate cover 600 that will
be described later.
[0195] The reflection portion 411 includes reflection surfaces 412a
and 412b that are disposed to be inclined to reflect the washing
water. The reflection surfaces 412a and 412b may include a first
reflection surface 412a and a second reflection surface 412b that
are alternately arranged with different inclinations in their
lengthwise directions so that reflection angles of the washing
water can be different from each other.
[0196] The cap portion 414 may include a coupling groove 415 that
is coupled to the vane holder 430, and a rotation stopper 418 that
limits a rotation range of the vane 410 when the vane 410 that will
be described later is rotated by the rotation guide (see 610 of
FIG. 17) of the bottom plate cover (see 600 of FIG. 17).
[0197] Coupling protrusion 433 of the vane holder 430 may be
coupled to the coupling groove 415 of the cap portion 414. In
detail, the coupling protrusion 433 may be inserted into the
coupling groove 415 of the vane 410. The coupling protrusion 433
may support the vane 410 rotatably.
[0198] The vane carrier 420 may be disposed in the internal space
of the guide rail 511, like in the driving belt 540 and may be
coupled to the tooth form 541 of the driving belt 540 and may make
a motion together with the driving belt 540. To this end, the vane
carrier 420 may have a tooth form 421 that is to be coupled to the
tooth form 541 of the driving belt 540.
[0199] Also, the vane carrier 420 may include legs 422 and 423 that
are supported on the guide rail 511. The legs 422 and 423 may
include a side leg 422 that protrudes laterally and is supported at
sidewalls of the guide rail 511 and a lower leg 423 that protrudes
downward and is supported at a lower wall of the guide rail
511.
[0200] The vane holder 430 is coupled to the vane carrier 420,
makes a motion together with the vane carrier 420, and transfers
the driving force of the vane carrier 420 to the vane 410. The vane
holder 430 is disposed to surround an outer surface of the guide
rail 511.
[0201] The vane holder 430 is coupled to the vane carrier 420
through the lower opening of the guide rail 511, and the coupling
protrusion 433 to which the vane 410 is separably coupled, may be
formed on the vane holder 430.
[0202] FIGS. 17 and 18 illustrate a configuration of a bottom plate
cover included in the dishwasher of FIG. 11, and FIG. 19
illustrates a state in which a vane guide and a fixed nozzle
assembly included in the dishwasher of FIG. 11 are fixed to the
bottom plate cover.
[0203] The bottom plate cover 600 that is to be coupled to one side
of the rear of the bottom plate 35 is disposed on the bottom plate
35 of the tub 30. The bottom plate cover 600 performs a function of
sealing a driving motor passage hole 37 and a flow path passage
hole 38 that are formed in the bottom plate 35 and fixing the vane
guide 510 and the fixed nozzle assembly 300 of the dishwasher
1.
[0204] A bottom plate protrusion 36 may be formed at the rear of
the bottom plate 35 and may protrude so that the bottom plate cover
600 may be coupled to the bottom plate protrusion 36.
[0205] The driving motor passage hole 37 through which the vane
driving motor 520 for driving the vane assembly 400 passes, and the
flow path passage hole 38 through which a flow path that connects
the fixed nozzle assembly 300 and the distribution valve assembly
200 passes, may be formed in the bottom plate protrusion 36.
[0206] The bottom plate cover 600 closely contacts and is coupled
to a top surface of the bottom plate protrusion 36.
[0207] The bottom plate cover 600 includes a shaft passage hole 640
through which the driving shaft 521 of the vane driving motor 520
passes, hose connection portions 652a, 652b, and 652c that are
inserted into the flow path passage hole 38 of the bottom plate
protrusion 36, flow path connection portions 651a, 651b, and 651c
that protrude upward so that a flow path 65 of the rotatable spray
nozzles 61 and 63 and flow paths 333 and 343 of the fixed nozzle
assembly 300 can be coupled to the flow path connection portions
651a, 651b, and 651c, a coupling hole 620 for fixing the fixed
nozzle assembly 300 and the vane guide 510, and the rotation guide
610 that protrudes to guide rotation of the vane 410.
[0208] A fixed cap 680 may be coupled to the flow path connection
portions 651a, 651b, and 651c of the bottom plate cover 600 so that
the bottom plate cover 600 can be fixed to the bottom plate
protrusion 36.
[0209] The shaft passage hole 640 of the bottom plate cover 600
causes the driving shaft 521 of the vane driving motor 520 to
protrude toward an inside of the tub 30.
[0210] A sealing member 670 through which the washing water inside
the tub 30 cannot leak through the driving motor passage hole 37
and the flow path passage hole 38 of the bottom plate protrusion
36, may be disposed between the bottom plate cover 600 and the
bottom plate protrusion 36.
[0211] A tub penetration portion 630 is formed on a bottom surface
of the bottom plate cover 600 and penetrates the driving motor
passage hole 37.
[0212] The bottom plate cover 600 is disposed in the tub 30.
However, an inner side of the tub penetration portion 630 that
penetrates the driving motor passage hole 37 is exposed to an
outside of the tub 30. Also, the washing water does not permeate
the inner side of the tub penetration portion 630 due to the
sealing member 670 that prevents outflow of the washing water
through the driving motor passage hole 37.
[0213] In this way, the vane driving motor 520 is installed at the
inner side of the tub penetration portion 630 exposed to the
outside of the tub 30.
[0214] As illustrated in FIG. 19, the vane guide 510 and the fixed
nozzle assembly 300 may be coupled to the bottom plate cover 600.
The bottom plate cover 600, the vane guide 510, and the fixed
nozzle assembly 300 may be solidly fixed to each other by a
fastening member 690. To this end, coupling holes 620, 512a, 337,
and 347 may be formed in corresponding positions of the bottom
plate cover 600, the fixed nozzle assembly 300, and the vane guide
510.
[0215] FIG. 20 illustrates a control flow of the dishwasher of FIG.
11, and FIG. 21 illustrates a control panel included in the
dishwasher of FIG. 11;
[0216] Referring to FIGS. 20 and 21, the dishwasher 1 may include
an input unit 110, a display unit 120, a driving unit 140, the vane
driving motor 520, the circulation pump 41, the drainage pump 51, a
storage unit 150, and a controller 190. Also, the dishwasher 1 may
further include a position detector 130.
[0217] The input unit 110 may include a plurality of input buttons
91, 92, and 93 to which a user's control instructions on the
dishwasher 1 are input, and a division washing screen 700.
[0218] In detail, the input unit 110 may include a power button 91
through which power is input to the dishwasher 1, an operating
button 92 for operating the dishwasher 1, a course button 93 for
selecting a washing course, and the division washing screen 700 on
which a cleaning area in which washing is performed, is set.
[0219] For example, when the user accommodates the dishes in the
vicinity of the door 11, the user may input an area in which the
dishes are present, by touching or dragging the division washing
screen 700.
[0220] The display unit 120 may include a display panel 95 on which
the washing course selected by the user of the dishwasher 1, an
expected washing time or the remaining washing time. An LCD panel,
an LED panel, or an OLED panel may be used as the display panel
95.
[0221] A washing area in which washing is performed, may be
displayed on the division washing screen 700. Also, a nozzle
assembly image 730 corresponding to the fixed nozzle assembly 300,
a vane assembly image 740 corresponding to the vane assembly 400,
and a vane guide image 750 corresponding to the vane guide 510 are
displayed on the division washing screen 700 so that the user can
easily input the washing area.
[0222] In addition, an image inside the tub 30 in which the fixed
nozzle assembly 300, the vane assembly 400, and the vane guide 510
are displayed so that the user can easily input the washing area,
may also be displayed on the division washing screen 700.
[0223] As described above, before a washing operation is performed,
an area in which washing is to be performed, is input to the
division washing screen 700, and after the washing operation is
performed, an area in which washing is being performed, is
displayed on the division washing screen 700.
[0224] A touch screen panel (TSP) to which control instructions are
input from the user and on which operating information is
displayed, may be used as the division washing screen 700.
[0225] The driving unit 140 drives each of the elements of the
dishwasher 1 according to control signals of the controller 190. In
detail, the driving unit 140 may include a pump driving circuit
(not shown) that drives the vane driving motor 520, the
distribution valve assembly 200, the circulation pump 41, and the
drainage pump 51.
[0226] The storage unit 150 may include volatile memory (not
shown), such as a D-RAM or S-RAM that temporarily stores temporary
data generated during an operation of controlling the operation of
the dishwasher 1 in addition to non-volatile memory (not shown),
such as a magnetic disc or a solid state disk that permanently
stores programs and data for controlling the operation of the
dishwasher 1.
[0227] The controller 190 controls operations of the elements
included in the dishwasher 1. In detail, the controller 190 outputs
control signals for controlling the vane driving motor 520, the
circulation pump 41, and the drainage pump 51 based on the control
instructions input through the input unit 110.
[0228] The controller 190 may include one or more micro processors
(not shown) that perform an arithmetic operation based on the
programs and data stored in the storage unit 150.
[0229] Also, the dishwasher 1 may selectively include the position
detector 130 that detects a position of the vane assembly (see 400
of FIG. 11).
[0230] FIGS. 22 and 23 illustrate an example of a position detector
included in the dishwasher of FIG. 11, and FIGS. 24 and 25
illustrate an example of the position detector included in the
dishwasher of FIG. 11
[0231] The position detector 130 may include a position
identification member 131 attached to the vane assembly 400 and a
position detection sensor 132 that detects the position
identification member 131.
[0232] If the position detection sensor 132 detects the position
identification member 131, the position detector 130 may determine
that the vane assembly 400 is disposed at the same position at
which the position detection sensor 132 is disposed.
[0233] For example, the position identification member 131 may be
attached onto a bottom surface of the vane holder 430. An
identification member cover 435 may be disposed to protect the
position identification member 131. The identification member cover
435 prevents the position identification member 131 from contacting
the washing water.
[0234] The position detection sensor 132 may be disposed in the
vicinity of the fixed nozzle assembly 300, as illustrated in FIG.
23.
[0235] In detail, the position detection sensor 132 may be disposed
at an inner side of the tub penetration portion 630 of the bottom
plate cover 600. That is, the position detection sensor 132 may be
disposed at the inner side of the tub penetration portion 630
exposed to the outside of the tub 30, together with the vane
driving motor 520.
[0236] The position detector 130 may further include an auxiliary
position detection sensor 133.
[0237] The auxiliary position detection sensor 133 may be disposed
at one of various positions other than a first position P1. For
example, the auxiliary position detection sensor 133 may be
disposed on the bottom plate 35 of the tub 30, as illustrated in
FIGS. 24 and 25.
[0238] When the position detection sensor 132 is disposed in the
vicinity of the fixed nozzle assembly 300, the auxiliary position
detection sensor 133 may be disposed at an opposite side to the
fixed nozzle assembly 300. In other words, when the vane assembly
400 is disposed at the farthest position from the fixed nozzle
assembly 300, the auxiliary position detection sensor 133 may be
disposed at a position corresponding to the position identification
member 131.
[0239] In addition, the position identification member 131 and the
position detection sensors 132 and 133 may be disposed at various
positions.
[0240] The position identification member 131 may be disposed at
one of various positions, such as at the vane carrier 420, in the
center of the vane 410, and on both ends of the vane 410, in
addition to at the vane holder 430.
[0241] Also, the position detection sensor 132 and the auxiliary
position detection sensor 133 may be disposed at various positions
based on the position of the position identification member 131.
For example, the position detection sensor 132 may be disposed at
the guide rail (see 511 of FIG. 14), on the bottom plate 35 of the
tub 30, at the rear holder (see 512 of FIG. 14), or at the front
holder (see 513 of FIG. 14).
[0242] Also, the position detection sensor 132 may be disposed to
be far away from the fixed nozzle assembly 300 in addition to being
in the vicinity of the fixed nozzle assembly 300. The auxiliary
position detection sensor 133 may also be disposed in the vicinity
of the fixed nozzle assembly 300 in addition to being far away from
the fixed nozzle assembly 300.
[0243] However, for understanding, it is assumed that the position
detection sensor 132 is disposed at the first position P1 and the
auxiliary position detection sensor 133 is disposed at a second
position P2. Here, the first position P1 is a position of the vane
assembly 400 when the vane assembly 400 is closest to the fixed
nozzle assembly 300. Also, the second position P2 is a position of
the vane assembly 400 when the vane assembly 400 is farthest from
the fixed nozzle assembly 300.
[0244] In this case, if the position detection sensor 132 detects
the position identification member 131, the dishwasher 1 may
determine that the vane assembly 400 is disposed at the first
position P1, and if the auxiliary position detection sensor 133
detects the position identification member 131, the dishwasher 1
may determine that the vane assembly 400 is disposed at the second
position P2.
[0245] Also, the position detector 130 is not limited to including
the position detection sensor 132 disposed at the first position P1
and the auxiliary position detection sensor 133 disposed at the
second position P2. The position detector 130 may further include a
position detection sensor that is disposed at other position than
the first position P1 and the second position P2.
[0246] For example, the position detector 130 may further include a
position detection sensor that is installed in the vicinity of the
center of the first position P1 and the second position P2. In
addition, the position detector 130 may further include a plurality
of position detection sensors that are disposed between the first
position P1 and the second position P2 at regular intervals.
[0247] The position identification member 131 and the position
detection sensor 132 may employ a permanent magnet and a hall
sensor, respectively. That is, the hall sensor that detects a
magnetic field may detect the position of the vane assembly 400 by
detecting a magnetic field generated by the permanent magnet.
[0248] In addition, the position identification member 131 and the
position detection sensor 132 may include protrusions that protrude
from the vane assembly 400, a micro switch that is pressured by the
protrusions, an infrared light source that emits infrared rays, and
an infrared sensor that senses the infrared rays, for example.
[0249] In detail, if the protrusions formed on the vane assembly
400 pressurize the micro switch installed at the first position P1,
the dishwasher 1 may determine that the vane assembly 400 is
disposed at the first position P1.
[0250] Also, if the infrared sensor installed at the first position
P1 senses the infrared rays emitted from the infrared light source
attached to the vane assembly 400, the dishwasher 1 may determine
that the vane assembly 400 is disposed at the first position
P1.
[0251] Also, the position detector 130 may include only the
position detection sensor 132.
[0252] For example, the position detection sensor 132 may include a
capacitive type proximity sensor that senses a change of an
electrostatic capacity caused by the vane assembly 400, an
ultrasonic sensor module that emits ultrasonic waves and receives
reflected waves reflected by the vane assembly 400, and an infrared
sensor module that emits infrared rays and receives the infrared
rays reflected by the vane assembly 400.
[0253] When the position detector 130 includes a capacitive type
proximity sensor installed at the first position P1, if the
capacitive type proximity sensor senses a change of the
electrostatic capacity caused by the vane assembly 400, the
dishwasher 1 may determine that the vane assembly 400 is disposed
at the first position P1.
[0254] In detail, if the ultrasonic sensor module of the position
detector 130 installed at the first position P1 senses the
ultrasonic waves reflected by the vane assembly 400, the dishwasher
1 may determine that the vane assembly 400 is disposed at the first
position P1.
[0255] Also, if the infrared sensor module of the position detector
130 installed at the first position P1 detects the infrared rays
reflected by the vane assembly 400, the dishwasher 1 may determine
that the vane assembly 400 is disposed at the first position
P1.
[0256] The position detector 130 may include a position detection
sensor that moves together with the vane assembly 400.
[0257] For example, a pressure sensor that detects pressure of the
washing water sprayed by the fixed nozzle assembly 300 may be
disposed at the vane assembly 400, and the dishwasher 1 may
determine the position of the vane assembly 400 according to the
detected pressure of the washing water.
[0258] Also, an infrared distance sensor module including an
infrared emission portion that emits infrared rays and an infrared
receiving portion that receives the infrared rays may be installed
at the vane assembly 400, and the position of the vane assembly 400
may be calculated based on a time of flight (TOF) at which the
emitted infrared rays are back to the vane assembly 400 after being
reflected from the fixed nozzle assembly 300 or the door 11.
[0259] Also, an ultrasonic distance sensor module including an
ultrasonic emission portion that emits ultrasonic waves and an
ultrasonic receiving portion that receives the ultrasonic waves may
be installed at the vane assembly 400, and the position of the vane
assembly 400 may be calculated based on a TOF at which the emitted
ultrasonic waves are back to the vane assembly 400 after being
reflected from the fixed nozzle assembly 300 or the door 11.
[0260] However, hereinafter, for understanding, it is assumed that
the position identification member 131 is disposed at the vane
assembly 400 and the position detection sensors 132 and 133 are
installed at the first position P1 or the second position P2.
[0261] Hereinafter, an operation of the dishwasher, in particular,
an operation of the linear washing portion will be described.
First, an overall operation of the dishwasher will be described
below.
[0262] The dishwasher 1 may perform a water supply operation, a
washing operation, a drainage operation, and a drying
operation.
[0263] In the water supply operation, the washing water may be
supplied into the tub 30 through a water supply pipe (not shown).
The washing water supplied into the tub 30 may flow toward the sump
43 disposed below the tub 30 due to a gradient of the bottom of the
tub 30 and may be stored in the sump 43.
[0264] In the washing operation, the circulation pump 41 may be
actuated to pump the washing water in the sump 43. The washing
water pumped by the circulation pump 41 may be distributed to the
rotatable spray nozzles 61 and 63, the left fixed nozzle 330, and
the right fixed nozzle 340 through the distribution valve assembly
200.
[0265] The washing water that is sprayed from the rotatable spray
nozzles 61 and 63 and the fixed nozzle assembly 300 may be used to
hit the dishes and to remove filth from the dishes and may drop
together with filth and may be stored in the sump 43 again. The
circulation pump 41 pumps the washing water stored in the sump 43
again to circulate the washing water. In the washing operation, the
circulation pump 41 may be actuated or stopped repeatedly several
times. In this procedure, filth that drops into the sump 43
together with the washing water remains in the sump 43 because it
is gathered by a filter (not shown) mounted on the sump 43 and not
circulated.
[0266] Next, a movement operation of the vane assembly 400 will be
described.
[0267] For understanding, one end that is adjacent to the fixed
nozzle assembly 300 among both ends of the vane guide 510 is
referred to a first position, and an opposite side to the fixed
nozzle assembly 300 is referred to a second position. It is assumed
that the position detection sensor 132 is disposed at the first
position. That is, the first position is a reference position.
[0268] Also, a direction in which the vane assembly 400 is moved
from an arbitrary position of the vane guide 510 to the first
position, is referred to as a first movement direction, and a
direction in which the vane assembly 400 is moved from the
arbitrary position of the vane guide 510 to the second position, is
referred to as a second movement direction.
[0269] FIG. 26 is a flowchart for describing a vane movement
control method based on a vane movement direction matching
operation according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0270] The dishwasher 1 moves the vane assembly 400 due to rotation
of the vane driving motor 520. In this case, the dishwasher 1
performs a vane movement direction matching operation 1000 between
a rotation direction of the vane driving motor 520 and a movement
direction of the vane assembly 400.
[0271] For example, when the vane driving motor 520 is rotated
clockwise, the dishwasher 1 determines whether the vane assembly
400 is moved in the first direction or the second direction, and
when the vane driving motor 520 is rotated counterclockwise, the
dishwasher 1 determines whether the vane assembly 400 is moved in
the first direction or the second direction.
[0272] The vane movement direction matching operation 1000 will be
described with reference to FIG. 26.
[0273] First, the dishwasher 1 drives the vane driving motor 520
clockwise for a first time (Operation 1010).
[0274] Here, the first time is time that is equal to or greater
than a time (hereinafter, referred to as a "first reference time")
at which the vane assembly 400 is moved by the vane driving motor
520 between the first position and the second position. In other
words, if the vane driving motor 520 is driven for the first time,
the vane assembly 400 that is disposed at an arbitrary position of
the vane guide 510 is moved to the first position or the second
position.
[0275] Subsequently, the dishwasher 1 determines whether the vane
assembly 400 is disposed at the first position (Operation 1020). In
detail, the dishwasher 1 determines whether the position detection
sensor 132 disposed at the first position detects the position
identification member 131 attached to the vane assembly 400.
[0276] For example, if the position detection sensor 132 detects
the position identification member 131, the dishwasher 1 determines
that the vane assembly 400 is disposed at the first position, and
if the position detection sensor 132 does not detect the position
identification member 131, the dishwasher 1 determines that the
vane assembly 400 is not disposed at the first position.
[0277] If the vane assembly 1 is disposed at the first position
(YES of Operation 1020), the dishwasher 1 sets a clockwise
direction to a first rotation direction (Operation 1030).
[0278] The first rotation direction is a rotation direction of the
vane driving motor 520 in which the vane assembly 400 is moved in
the first movement direction. In other words, if the vane driving
motor 520 is driven in the first rotation direction, the vane
assembly 400 is moved toward the first position.
[0279] Also, the dishwasher 1 sets a counterclockwise direction to
a second rotation direction (Operation 1040). The second rotation
direction is a rotation direction of the vane driving motor 520 in
which the vane assembly 400 is moved in the second movement
direction. In other words, if the vane driving motor 520 is driven
in the second rotation direction, the vane assembly 400 is moved
toward the second position.
[0280] If the vane assembly 1 is not disposed at the first position
(NO of Operation 1020), the dishwasher 1 sets the clockwise
direction to the second rotation direction (Operation 1050).
[0281] Also, the dishwasher 1 sets the counterclockwise direction
to the first rotation direction (Operation 1060).
[0282] By performing the vane movement direction matching operation
1000, the dishwasher 1 may match the rotation direction of the vane
driving motor 520 with the movement direction of the vane assembly
400.
[0283] FIGS. 27 and 28 are a flowchart and a cross-sectional view
for describing a vane movement control method based on a vane
initialization operation according to an embodiment of the present
disclosure.
[0284] A vane initialization operation 1100 in which the vane
assembly 400 is moved to the first position (reference position),
is performed when the water supply operation or the washing
operation starts being performed.
[0285] By performing the vane initialization operation 1100, the
dishwasher 1 may calculate the position of the vane assembly 400
while the vane assembly 400 is being moved.
[0286] Also, the vane assembly 400 is moved to be close to the
fixed nozzle assembly 300 so that, when the fixed nozzle assembly
300 starts spraying the washing water, the washing water can be
prevented from dropping toward the bottom plate 35 of the tub
30.
[0287] The vane initialization operation 1100 will be described
with reference to FIGS. 27 and 28.
[0288] First, the dishwasher 1 determines whether the water supply
operation or the washing operation starts being performed
(Operation 1110).
[0289] If the water supply operation or the washing operation
starts being performed, the dishwasher 1 determines whether the
vane assembly 400 is disposed at a first position P1 (Operation
1120). In detail, the dishwasher 1 determines whether the position
detection sensor 132 disposed at the first position P1 detects the
position identification member 131 attached to the vane assembly
400.
[0290] As described above, the first position P1 becomes a
criterion for movement of the vane assembly 400. In other words,
the dishwasher 1 may check the position of the vane assembly 400
based on a distance at which the vane assembly 400 is moved from
the first position P1. For this reason, the dishwasher 1 determines
whether the vane assembly 400 is disposed at the first position P1,
to dispose the vane assembly 400 at the first position P1.
[0291] If the vane assembly 400 is disposed at the first position
P1 (YES of Operation 1120), the dishwasher 1 terminates the vane
initialization operation 1100.
[0292] If the vane assembly 400 is not disposed at the first
position P1 (NO of Operation 1120), the dishwasher 1 moves the vane
assembly 400 in the first movement direction (Operation 1130). In
detail, the dishwasher 1 drives the vane driving motor 520 in the
first rotation direction.
[0293] While the vane assembly 400 is moved in the first movement
direction, the dishwasher 1 determines whether the vane assembly
400 is disposed at the first position P1 using the position
detector 130.
[0294] If the vane assembly 400 is disposed at the first position
P1, as illustrated in FIG. 28, the dishwasher 1 stops movement of
the vane assembly 400.
[0295] By performing the vane initialization operation 1100, the
dishwasher 1 may dispose the vane assembly 400 at the first
position P1.
[0296] In FIGS. 27 and 28, the vane initialization operation 1100
when the dishwasher 1 includes the position detector 130, has been
described.
[0297] Even when the dishwasher 1 does not include the position
detector 130, the dishwasher 1 may move the vane assembly 400 to
the first position P1.
[0298] For example, the dishwasher 1 may dispose the vane assembly
400 at the first position P1 by driving the vane driving motor 520
in the first rotation direction for the first time.
[0299] As described above, the first time may be time that is equal
to or greater than the first reference time at which the vane
assembly 400 is moved between the first position P1 and a second
position P2. In other words, if the vane driving motor 520 is
driven in the first rotation direction for the first time, the vane
assembly 400 disposed at the arbitrary position of the vane guide
510 is moved to the first position.
[0300] As an example, when the vane driving motor 520 includes an
encoder, the dishwasher 1 may move the vane driving motor 520 in
the first rotation direction so that the vane assembly 400 can be
moved at a distance (hereinafter, referred to as a "first reference
distance") between the first position P1 and the second position
P2.
[0301] FIG. 29 is a flowchart for describing a vane movement
control method based on a vane initialization operation according
to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0302] In FIG. 26, the vane movement direction matching operation
1000 has been described, and in FIGS. 27 and 28, the vane
initialization operation 1100 has been described. In FIG. 29, a
description in which the vane movement direction matching operation
1000 and the vane initialization operation 1100 are simultaneously
performed, will be provided.
[0303] A vane initialization operation 1200 will be described with
reference to FIG. 29.
[0304] First, the dishwasher 1 drives the vane driving motor 520 in
the clockwise direction for a first time (Operation 1210). Here,
the first time is a time (hereinafter, referred to as a "first
reference time") that is equal to greater than time at which the
vane assembly 400 is moved by the vane driving motor 520 between
the first position P1 and the second position P2.
[0305] Next, the dishwasher 1 determines whether the vane assembly
400 is disposed at the first position P1 (Operation 1220). In
detail, the dishwasher 1 determines whether the position detection
sensor 132 disposed at the first position P1 detects the position
identification member 131 attached to the vane assembly 400.
[0306] If the vane assembly 1 is disposed at the first position P1
(YES of Operation 1220), the dishwasher 1 sets the clockwise
direction to a first rotation direction and sets the
counterclockwise direction to a second rotation direction
(Operation 1230).
[0307] If the vane assembly 1 is not disposed at the first position
P1 (NO of Operation 1220), the dishwasher 1 sets the clockwise
direction to the second rotation direction and sets the
counterclockwise direction to the first rotation direction
(Operation 1240).
[0308] Subsequently, the dishwasher 1 drives the vane driving motor
520 in the counterclockwise direction for the first time (Operation
1250).
[0309] If the vane driving motor 520 is driven in the clockwise
direction for the first time, the vane assembly 400 is disposed at
the first position P1 or the second position P2. In this case, if
the vane assembly 400 is not disposed at the first position, the
vane assembly 400 will be disposed at the second position P2 so
that the dishwasher 1 drives the vane driving motor 520 in the
counterclockwise direction for the first time to dispose the vane
assembly 400 at the first position P1.
[0310] FIGS. 30 and 31 are a flowchart and a cross-sectional view
for describing a vane movement control method based on a whole
washing operation according to an embodiment of the present
disclosure. A washing operation 1300 will be described with
reference to FIGS. 30 and 31.
[0311] First, the dishwasher 1 moves the vane assembly 400 in a
second movement direction D2 (Operation 1310). The second movement
direction D2 is a direction in which the vane assembly 400 is
directed toward the second position P2 from an arbitrary position
of the vane guide 510. In detail, the dishwasher 1 may drive the
vane driving motor 520 in the second rotation direction to move the
vane assembly 400 in the second movement direction D2.
[0312] Subsequently, the dishwasher 1 determines whether the vane
assembly 400 reaches the second position P2 (Operation 1320).
[0313] The second position P2 is one end of the vane guide 510 to
which the vane assembly 400 is moved. For example, the second
position P2 may be an opposite end to the fixed nozzle assembly 300
among both ends of the vane guide 510.
[0314] The dishwasher 1 may determine whether the vane assembly 400
reaches the second position P2 using various methods.
[0315] For example, the dishwasher 1 may determine whether the vane
assembly 400 reaches the second position P2 based on an operating
time of the vane driving motor 520.
[0316] A distance (hereinafter, referred to as a "first reference
distance") between the first position P1 and the second position P2
may be divided by movement speed of the vane assembly 400 so that
time (hereinafter, referred to as a "first reference time") at
which the vane assembly 400 is moved at the first reference
distance, can be calculated. Here, the movement speed of the vane
assembly 400 is calculated based on rotation speed of the vane
driving motor (see 520 of FIG. 4).
[0317] The dishwasher 1 may determine whether the vane assembly 400
reaches the second position P2, depending on whether time at which
the vane driving motor 520 is driven in the second rotation
direction, is equal to or greater than the first reference
time.
[0318] In detail, if the time at which the vane driving motor 520
is driven in the second rotation direction, is equal to or greater
than the first reference time, the dishwasher 1 determines that
vane assembly 400 reaches the second position P2, and if the time
at which the vane driving motor 520 is driven in the second
rotation direction, is less than the first reference time, the
dishwasher 1 determines that the vane assembly 400 does not reach
the second position P2.
[0319] As an example, the dishwasher 1 may determine whether the
vane assembly 400 reaches the second position P2 based on rotation
displacement of the vane driving motor 520.
[0320] When the vane driving motor (see 520 of FIG. 4) includes an
encoder that detects rotation displacement, the dishwasher 1 may
calculate a movement distance of the vane assembly 400 caused by an
operation of the vane driving motor 520. In detail, the movement
distance of the vane assembly 400 may be calculated based on a
product that is obtained by multiplying the rotation displacement
of the vane driving motor 520 detected by the encoder by a radius
of the driving pulley 530.
[0321] The dishwasher 1 may determine whether the vane assembly 400
reaches the second position P2, depending on whether the product
that is obtained by multiplying the rotation displacement of the
vane driving motor 520 rotating in the second rotation direction by
the radius of the driving pulley 530 is equal to or greater than
the first reference distance.
[0322] In detail, if the product that is obtained by multiplying
the rotation displacement of the vane driving motor 520 rotating in
the second rotation direction by the radius of the driving pulley
530 is equal to or greater than the first reference distance, the
dishwasher 1 determines that the vane assembly 400 reaches the
second position P2. Also, if the product that is obtained by
multiplying the rotation displacement of the vane driving motor 520
rotating in the second rotation direction by the radius of the
driving pulley 530 is less than the first reference distance, the
dishwasher 1 determines that the vane assembly 400 does not reach
the second position P2.
[0323] As an example, when the position detector 130 includes an
auxiliary position detection sensor that is disposed at the second
position P2, the dishwasher 1 may determine whether the vane
assembly 400 reaches the second position P2, depending on whether
the auxiliary position detection sensor detects the position
identification member 131 disposed at the vane assembly 400.
[0324] In detail, if the auxiliary position detection sensor
disposed at the second position P2 detects the position
identification member 131 attached to the vane assembly 400, the
dishwasher 1 may determine that the vane assembly 400 reaches the
second position P2.
[0325] If the vane assembly 400 reaches the second position P2 (YES
of Operation 1320), the dishwasher 1 moves the vane assembly 400 in
a first movement direction D1 (Operation 1330). In detail, the
dishwasher 1 may drive the vane driving motor 520 in a first
rotation direction (rotation direction in which the vane assembly
400 is moved in the first movement direction D1) to move the vane
assembly 400 in the first movement direction D1.
[0326] Subsequently, the dishwasher 1 determines whether the vane
assembly 400 reaches the first position P1 (Operation 1340).
[0327] The dishwasher 1 may determine whether the vane assembly 400
reaches the first position P1 using various methods.
[0328] For example, the dishwasher 1 may determine whether the vane
assembly 400 reaches the first position P1, depending on whether
time at which the vane driving motor 520 is rotated in the first
rotation direction, is equal to or greater than the first reference
time.
[0329] As an example, when the vane driving motor 520 includes an
encoder, the dishwasher 1 may determine whether the vane assembly
400 reaches the first position P1, depending on whether a product
that is obtained by multiplying rotation displacement in which the
vane driving motor 520 is rotated in the first rotation direction,
by a radius of the driving pulley 530 is equal to or greater than
the first reference distance.
[0330] As an example, when the dishwasher 1 includes the position
detector 130, the dishwasher 1 may determine whether the vane
assembly 400 reaches the first position P1, depending on whether
the position detection sensor 132 disposed at the first position P1
detects the position identification member 131 attached to the vane
assembly 400.
[0331] If the vane assembly 400 reaches the first position P1 (YES
of Operation 1340), the dishwasher 1 terminates a reciprocal motion
of the vane assembly 400.
[0332] The dishwasher 1 may cause the vane assembly 400 to make a
reciprocal motion between the first position P1 and the second
position P2 by repeatedly performing the vane movement operation
1300.
[0333] In this way, the dishwasher 1 may wash the dishes in the tub
30 by causing the vane assembly 400 to make a reciprocal motion
between the foremost position and the rearmost position of the vane
guide 510, as illustrated in FIG. 31.
[0334] FIG. 32 is a flowchart for describing a vane movement
control method based on a whole washing operation according to an
embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0335] A washing operation 1400 will be described with reference to
FIG. 32.
[0336] First, the dishwasher 1 moves the vane assembly 400 to the
front for a predetermined first reference time (Operation
1410).
[0337] For example, when a first position is the rearmost position
of the vane guide 510, the dishwasher 1 moves the vane assembly 400
to the front for the first reference time so that the vane assembly
400 reaches the foremost position of the vane guide 510.
[0338] In detail, the dishwasher 1 may move the vane assembly 400
to a second position by actuating the vane driving motor 520 in a
second rotation direction in which the vane assembly 400 is moved
to the second position P2, for the first reference time.
[0339] Here, the first reference time may be defined as time at
which the vane assembly 400 is moved from one end to the other end
of the vane guide 510. That is, by dividing the length of the vane
guide 510 by movement speed of the vane assembly 400, the first
reference time may be calculated, and the calculated first
reference time may be stored in the above-described storage unit
150 and may be defined.
[0340] The dishwasher 1 drives the vane driving motor 520 in the
second rotation direction for the first reference time, to move the
vane assembly 400 to the second position P2. However, the
dishwasher 1 is not limited thereto.
[0341] For example, an encoder that senses rotation displacement
may be disposed at the vane driving motor 520, and the vane driving
motor 520 may be driven using the encoder so that the vane assembly
400 can be moved at a distance between the first position P1 and
the second position P2.
[0342] If the first reference time elapses, the dishwasher 1 moves
the vane assembly 400 backward (Operation 1420).
[0343] For example, when the first position P1 is at the rearmost
position of the vane guide 510, the dishwasher 1 moves the vane
assembly 400 backward so that the vane assembly 400 can be restored
to the first position P1.
[0344] In detail, the dishwasher 1 may move the vane assembly 400
to the first position P1 by actuating the vane driving motor 520 in
a first rotation direction in which the vane assembly 400 is moved
to the first position P1, i.e., in an opposite direction to that of
Operation 1410.
[0345] Subsequently, the dishwasher 1 determines whether the vane
assembly 400 reaches the first position P1 (Operation 1430). For
example, when the first position is the rearmost position of the
vane guide 510, the dishwasher 1 determines whether the vane
assembly 400 reaches the rearmost position of the vane guide
510.
[0346] In detail, the dishwasher 1 may determine whether the
position detection sensor 132 detects a magnetic field of the
position identification member 131.
[0347] If the vane assembly 400 does not reach the first position
P1 (NO of Operation 1430), the vane assembly 400 is continuously
moved until the vane assembly 400 reaches the first position
P1.
[0348] If the vane assembly 400 reaches the first position (YES of
Operation 1430), the dishwasher 1 stops movement of the vane
assembly 400 (Operation 1440). In detail, the dishwasher 1 may stop
actuation of the vane driving motor 520.
[0349] Subsequently, the dishwasher 1 determines whether a
difference between the first reference time and a movement passage
time is equal to or greater than an allowable error (Operation
1450). Here, the movement passage time is time at which the vane
assembly 400 is moved from the second position P2 to the first
position P1.
[0350] If the difference between the first reference time and the
movement passage time is equal to or greater than the allowable
error (YES of Operation 1450), the dishwasher 1 gives a user a
warning on malfunction of the dishwasher 1 (Operation 1460).
[0351] The difference between the first reference time and the
movement passage time that is equal to or greater than the
allowable error, means that a longer or shorter time than the first
reference time is required when the vane assembly 400 is moved to
the first position.
[0352] Also, this means that movement of the vane assembly 400 is
disturbed while the vane assembly 400 is moved along the vane guide
510. Thus, the dishwasher 1 informs the user that there is a
problem in the operation of the linear washing portion 100 using
the control panel 90.
[0353] While the vane assembly 400 makes a reciprocal motion in a
forward/backward direction, the dishwasher 1 determines whether
there is a problem in the operation of the vane assembly 400, by
moving the vane assembly 400 to the first position P1.
[0354] Next, separation washing using the dishwasher 1 will be
described. Separation washing is a washing operation in which only
the dishes accommodated by the user in a particular portion of the
inside of the tub 30 are washed.
[0355] For example, the tub 30 may be divided into right and left
portions, and only the dishes accommodated in the left portion of
the inside of the tub 30 may be washed, or only the dishes
accommodated in the right portion of the inside of the tub 30 may
be washed. In addition, the tub 30 may be divided into front and
rear portions, and only the dishes accommodated in the front
portion of the inside of the tub 30 may be washed, or only the
dishes accommodated in the rear portion of the inside of the tub 30
may be washed.
[0356] In detail, when the user inputs left washing instructions
through the left washing button 94a, the dishwasher 1 may control
the distribution valve assembly 200 to spray the washing water only
toward the left spray nozzle 330 of the fixed nozzle assembly
300.
[0357] Also, when the user inputs right washing instructions
through the right washing button 94b, the dishwasher 1 controls the
distribution valve assembly 200 to spray the washing water only
toward the right spray nozzle 340 of the fixed nozzle assembly
300.
[0358] Also, when the user inputs front washing instructions
through the front washing button 94c, the dishwasher 1 controls the
vane driving assembly 500 so that the vane assembly 400 makes a
reciprocal motion at the front portion of the inside of the tub
30.
[0359] For example, when the first position is the rearmost
position of the vane guide 510, the dishwasher 1 moves the vane
assembly 400 toward the foremost position of the vane guide 510 for
the above-described first reference time (time at which the vane
assembly 400 is moved from one end to the other end of the vane
guide 510).
[0360] As a result, the vane assembly 400 is disposed at the
foremost position of the vane guide 510. Subsequently, the
dishwasher 1 causes the vane assembly 400 to make a reciprocal
motion at the front portion of the inside of the tub 30 by
repeatedly moving the vane assembly 400 backward for a second
reference time that is shorter than the first reference time and
moving the vane assembly 400 forward for the second reference time
again.
[0361] Also, when the user inputs rear washing instructions through
the rear washing button 94d, the dishwasher 1 controls the vane
driving assembly 500 so that the vane assembly 400 makes a
reciprocal motion at the rear portion of the inside of the tub
30.
[0362] For example, when the first position is the rearmost
position of the vane guide 510, the dishwasher 1 causes the vane
assembly 400 to make a reciprocal motion at the rear portion of the
inside of the tub 30 by repeatedly moving the vane assembly 400
forward for the second reference time that is shorter than the
first reference time and moving the vane assembly 400 backward for
the second reference time again.
[0363] Left separation washing, right separation washing, front
separation washing, and rear separation washing will now be
described in greater detail.
[0364] For understanding, it is assumed that the position detection
sensor 132 is disposed at the rearmost position of the vane guide
510. That is, the first position P1 is the rearmost position of the
vane guide 510.
[0365] However, embodiments of the present disclosure are not
limited thereto. For example, when the first position is an
arbitrary position of the vane guide 510, the following operation
may be performed after the vane assembly 400 is moved to the
rearmost position of the vane guide 510, and when the first
position is the foremost position of the vane guide 510, the
following operation may be performed by changing only front and
rear portions.
[0366] FIGS. 33 and 34 are a flowchart and a cross-sectional view
for describing a vane movement control method based on a rear
washing operation according to an embodiment of the present
disclosure.
[0367] If the user inputs rear washing instructions by pressing the
rear washing button 94d disposed on the control panel 90, the
dishwasher 1 may perform the rear washing operation 1500.
[0368] Referring to FIGS. 33 and 34, the dishwasher 1 moves the
vane assembly 400 in the second movement direction D2 (Operation
1510). In detail, the dishwasher 1 may drive the vane driving motor
520 in the second rotation direction.
[0369] Subsequently, the dishwasher 1 determines whether the vane
assembly 400 reaches a third position P3 (Operation 1520). Here,
the third position P3 may be an arbitrary position of the vane
guide 510.
[0370] The dishwasher 1 may determine whether the vane assembly 400
reaches the third position P3, using various methods.
[0371] For example, the dishwasher 1 may determine whether the vane
assembly 400 reaches the third position P3, depending on whether
time at which the vane driving motor 520 is driven in the second
rotation direction, is the second reference time.
[0372] Here, the second reference time may be half of the first
reference time. However, the second reference time is not limited
thereto and may be larger or smaller than half of the first
reference time.
[0373] As an example, the dishwasher 1 may determine whether the
vane assembly 400 reaches the third position P3 depending on
whether a product that is obtained by multiplying rotation
displacement in which the vane driving motor 520 is rotated in the
second rotation direction, by a radius of the driving pulley 530 is
equal to or greater than a second reference distance.
[0374] As an example, when the position detector 130 includes an
auxiliary position detection sensor that is disposed at the third
position P3, the dishwasher 1 may determine whether the vane
assembly 400 reaches the third position P3, depending on whether
the auxiliary position detection sensor detects the position
identification member 131 disposed at the vane assembly 400.
[0375] Here, the second reference distance may be half of the first
reference distance. However, the second reference distance is not
limited thereto and may be larger or smaller than half of the first
reference distance.
[0376] If the vane assembly 400 reaches the third position P3 (YES
of Operation 1520), the dishwasher 1 moves the vane assembly 400 in
the first movement direction D1 (Operation 1530). In detail, the
dishwasher 1 may drive the vane driving motor 520 in the first
rotation direction.
[0377] Subsequently, the dishwasher 1 determines whether the vane
assembly 400 reaches the first position P1 (Operation 1540).
[0378] The dishwasher 1 may determine whether the vane assembly 400
reaches the first position P1, using various methods.
[0379] For example, the dishwasher 1 may determine whether the vane
assembly 400 reaches the first position P1, depending on whether
time at which the vane driving motor 520 is rotated in the first
rotation direction, is equal to or greater than the second
reference time.
[0380] As an example, when the vane driving motor 520 includes an
encoder, the dishwasher 1 may determine whether the vane assembly
400 reaches the first position P1, depending on whether a product
that is obtained by multiplying rotation displacement in which the
vane driving motor 520 is rotated in the first rotation direction,
by a radius of the driving pulley 530 is equal to or greater than
the second reference distance.
[0381] As an example, when the dishwasher 1 includes the position
detector 130, the dishwasher 1 may determine whether the vane
assembly 400 reaches the first position P1, depending on whether
the position detection sensor 132 disposed at the first position P1
detects the position identification member 131 attached to the vane
assembly 400.
[0382] In this way, the dishwasher 1 may wash the dishes
accommodated in the rear portion of the tub 30 by causing the vane
assembly 400 to make a reciprocal motion at the rear portion of the
vane guide 510, as illustrated in FIG. 34.
[0383] FIG. 35 is a flowchart for describing a vane movement
control method based on a rear washing operation according to an
embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0384] A rear washing operation 1600 will be described with
reference to FIG. 35.
[0385] First, the dishwasher 1 moves the vane assembly 400 forward
for a predetermined second reference time (Operation 1610). In
detail, the dishwasher 1 may actuate the vane driving motor 520 in
the first rotation direction in which the vane assembly 400 is
moved forward, for the second reference time.
[0386] Here, the second reference time may be shorter than the
above-described first reference time. For example, the second
reference time may be half of the first reference time. In this
case, if the vane assembly 400 is moved forward for the second
reference time, the vane assembly 400 may be disposed in the center
of the vane guide 510.
[0387] However, the second reference time is not limited to half of
the first reference time and may also be larger or smaller than
half of the first reference time.
[0388] Subsequently, the dishwasher 1 moves the vane assembly 400
backward so that the vane assembly 400 reaches the rearmost
position of the vane guide 510, i.e., the first position P1
(Operation 1620). In detail, the dishwasher 1 may actuate the vane
driving motor 520 in the second rotation direction in which the
vane assembly 400 is moved backward, i.e., in an opposite direction
to that of Operation 1610.
[0389] Subsequently, the dishwasher 1 determines whether the vane
assembly 400 reaches the first position P1 (Operation 1630). In
detail, the dishwasher 1 determines whether the position detection
sensor 132 detects a magnetic field of the position identification
member 131.
[0390] If the vane assembly 400 does not reach the first position
P1 (NO of Operation 1630), the vane assembly 400 is continuously
moved until the vane assembly 400 reaches the first position
P1.
[0391] If the vane assembly 400 reaches the first position P1 (YES
of Operation 1630), the dishwasher 1 stops movement of the vane
assembly 400 (Operation 1640). In detail, the dishwasher 1 may stop
actuation of the vane driving motor 520.
[0392] Subsequently, the dishwasher 1 determines whether a
difference between the second reference time and the movement
passage time is equal to or greater than an allowable error
(Operation 1650). Here, the movement passage time is time at which
the vane assembly 400 is moved to the first position.
[0393] If the difference between the second reference time and the
movement passage time is equal to or greater than the allowable
error (YES of Operation 1650), the dishwasher 1 gives the user a
warning on malfunction of the dishwasher 1 (Operation 1660).
[0394] The difference between the second reference time and the
movement passage time that is equal to or greater than the
allowable error, means that time that is longer than or shorter
than the second reference time is required when the vane assembly
400 is moved to the first position.
[0395] Also, this means that movement of the vane assembly 400 is
disturbed while the vane assembly 400 is moved along the vane guide
510. Thus, the dishwasher 1 informs the user that there is a
problem in the operation of the linear washing portion 100 using
the control panel 90.
[0396] The dishwasher 1 determines whether there is a problem in
the operation of the vane assembly 400 by moving the vane assembly
400 to the first position P1 while the vane assembly 400 makes a
reciprocal motion at the rear portion of the tub 30.
[0397] FIGS. 36 and 37 are a flowchart and a cross-sectional view
for describing a vane movement control method based on a front
washing operation according to an embodiment of the present
disclosure.
[0398] If the user inputs front washing instructions by pressing
the front washing button 94c disposed on the control panel 90, the
dishwasher 1 may perform a front washing operation 1700.
[0399] Referring to FIGS. 36 and 37, the dishwasher 1 moves the
vane assembly 400 in the second movement direction D2 (Operation
1710). In detail, the dishwasher 1 may drive the vane driving motor
520 in the second rotation direction.
[0400] Subsequently, the dishwasher 1 determines whether the vane
assembly 400 reaches the second position P2 (Operation 1720).
[0401] The dishwasher 1 may determine whether the vane assembly 400
reaches the second position P2 using various methods.
[0402] For example, the dishwasher 1 may determine whether the vane
assembly 400 reaches the second position P2, depending on whether a
time at which the vane driving motor 520 is driven in the second
rotation direction, is the first reference time.
[0403] As an example, the dishwasher 1 may determine whether the
vane assembly 400 reaches the second position P2, depending on
whether a product that is obtained by multiplying rotation
displacement in which the vane driving motor 520 is rotated in the
second rotation direction, by a radius of the driving pulley 530 is
equal to or greater than the first reference distance.
[0404] As an example, when the position detector 130 includes an
auxiliary position detection sensor disposed at the second position
P2, the dishwasher 1 may determine whether the vane assembly 400
reaches the second position P2, depending on whether the auxiliary
position detection sensor detects the position identification
member 131 disposed at the vane assembly 400.
[0405] If the vane assembly 400 reaches the second position P2 (YES
of Operation 1720), the dishwasher 1 moves the vane assembly 400 in
the first movement direction D1 (Operation 1730). In detail, the
dishwasher 1 may drive the vane driving motor 520 in the first
rotation direction.
[0406] Subsequently, the dishwasher 1 determines whether the vane
assembly 400 reaches a fourth position P4 (Operation 1740).
[0407] The dishwasher 1 may determine whether the vane assembly 400
reaches the fourth position P4, using various methods.
[0408] For example, the dishwasher 1 may determine whether the vane
assembly 400 reaches the fourth position P4, depending on whether
time at which the vane driving motor 520 is rotated in the first
rotation direction, is equal to or greater than a third reference
time.
[0409] Here, the third reference time may be half of the first
reference time. However, the third reference time is not limited
thereto and may be longer or shorter than half of the first
reference time.
[0410] As an example, when the vane driving motor 520 includes an
encoder, the dishwasher 1 may determine whether the vane assembly
400 reaches the fourth position P4, depending on whether a product
that is obtained by multiplying rotation displacement in which the
vane driving motor 520 is rotated in the first rotation direction,
by a radius of the driving pulley 530 is equal to or greater than a
third reference distance.
[0411] Here, the third reference distance may be half of the first
reference distance. However, the third reference distance is not
limited thereto and may be longer or shorter than half of the first
reference distance.
[0412] As an example, when the position detector 130 includes an
auxiliary position detection sensor disposed at the fourth position
P4, the dishwasher 1 may determine whether the vane assembly 400
reaches the fourth position P4, depending on whether the auxiliary
position detection sensor detects the position identification
member 131 disposed at the vane assembly 400.
[0413] If the vane assembly 400 reaches the fourth position P4 (YES
of Operation 1740), the dishwasher 1 moves the vane assembly 400 in
the second movement direction D2 (Operation 1750). In detail, the
dishwasher 1 may drive the vane driving motor 520 in the second
rotation direction.
[0414] Subsequently, the dishwasher 1 determines whether the vane
assembly 400 reaches the second position P2 (Operation 1760).
[0415] The dishwasher 1 may determine whether the vane assembly 400
reaches the second position P2, using various methods.
[0416] For example, the dishwasher 1 may determine whether the vane
assembly 400 reaches the second position P2, depending on whether
time at which the vane driving motor 520 is driven in the second
rotation direction, is the third reference time.
[0417] As an example, the dishwasher 1 may determine whether the
vane assembly 400 reaches the second position P2, depending on
whether a product that is obtained by multiplying rotation
displacement in which the vane driving motor 520 is rotated in the
second rotation direction, by a radius of the driving pulley 530 is
equal to or greater than the third reference distance.
[0418] As an example, when the position detector 130 includes an
auxiliary position detection sensor disposed at the second position
P2, the dishwasher 1 may determine whether the vane assembly 400
reaches the second position P2, depending on whether the auxiliary
position detection sensor detects the position identification
member 131 disposed at the vane assembly 400.
[0419] If the vane assembly 400 reaches the second position P2 (YES
of Operation 1760), the dishwasher 1 determines whether a front
washing time elapses (Operation 1770). Here, the front washing time
may be time that is set by the user or that is previously stored,
so that the dishes accommodated in the front of the tub 30 can be
washed.
[0420] If the front washing time does not elapse (NO of Operation
1770), the dishwasher 1 causes the vane assembly 400 to make a
reciprocal motion between the second position P2 and the fourth
position P4.
[0421] If the front washing time elapses (YES of Operation 1770),
the dishwasher 1 moves the vane assembly 400 in the first movement
direction D1 (Operation 1780). In detail, the dishwasher 1 may
drive the vane driving motor 520 in the first rotation
direction.
[0422] Subsequently, the dishwasher 1 determines whether the vane
assembly 400 reaches the first position P1 (Operation 1790).
[0423] The dishwasher 1 may determine whether the vane assembly 400
reaches the first position P1, using various methods.
[0424] For example, the dishwasher 1 may determine whether the vane
assembly 400 reaches the first position P1, depending on whether
time at which the vane driving motor 520 is rotated in the first
rotation direction, is equal to or greater than the first reference
time.
[0425] As an example, when the vane driving motor 520 includes an
encoder, the dishwasher 1 may determine whether the vane assembly
400 reaches the first position P1, depending on whether a product
that is obtained by multiplying rotation displacement in which the
vane driving motor 520 is rotated in the first rotation direction,
by a radius of the driving pulley 530 is equal to or greater than
the first reference distance.
[0426] As an example, when the dishwasher 1 includes the position
detector 130, the dishwasher 1 may determine whether the vane
assembly 400 reaches the first position P1, depending on whether
the position detection sensor 132 disposed at the first position P1
detects the position identification member 131 attached to the vane
assembly 400.
[0427] In this way, the dishwasher 1 may wash the dishes
accommodated in the front of the tub 30 after moving the vane
assembly 400 to the foremost position of the vane guide 510 and
then causing the vane assembly 400 to make a reciprocal motion in
the forward direction, as illustrated in FIG. 37.
[0428] FIG. 38 is a flowchart for describing a vane movement
control method based on a front washing operation according to an
embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0429] A front washing operation 1800 will be described with
reference to FIG. 38.
[0430] First, the dishwasher 1 moves the vane assembly 400 forward
for a predetermined first reference time so that the vane assembly
400 reaches the foremost position of the vane guide 510 (Operation
1810). Here, the first reference time may be defined as time at
which the vane assembly 400 is moved from the rearmost position to
the foremost position of the vane guide 510.
[0431] Subsequently, the dishwasher 1 moves the vane assembly 400
backward for a predetermined second reference time so that the vane
assembly 400 reaches the center of the vane guide 510 (Operation
1820).
[0432] Here, the second reference time may be shorter than the
above-described reference time. For example, the second reference
time may be time that corresponds to half of the first reference
time. Of course, the second reference time is not limited to half
of the first reference time and may be longer or shorter than half
of the first reference time.
[0433] Subsequently, the dishwasher 1 moves the vane assembly 400
forward for the second reference time so that the vane assembly 400
reaches the foremost position of the vane guide 510 (Operation
1830).
[0434] Subsequently, the dishwasher 1 determines whether time at
which the vane assembly 400 makes a reciprocal motion in the
forward direction, is equal to or greater than a predetermined
reference reciprocal time (Operation 1840). Of course, embodiments
of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. That is, the
dishwasher 1 may determine whether the number of times in which the
vane assembly 400 makes a reciprocal motion in the forward
direction, is equal to or greater than a predetermined reference
reciprocal number of times.
[0435] If the time at which the vane assembly 400 makes a
reciprocal motion in the forward direction, is not equal to or
greater than the predetermined reference reciprocal number of times
(NO of Operation 1840), the dishwasher 1 performs a reciprocal
motion of the vane assembly 400 continuously.
[0436] Of course, if the number of times in which the vane assembly
400 makes a reciprocal motion in the forward direction, is not
equal to or greater than the reference reciprocal number of times,
the dishwasher 1 may also perform a reciprocal motion of the vane
assembly 400 continuously.
[0437] If the time at which the vane assembly 400 makes a
reciprocal motion in the forward direction, is equal to or greater
than the predetermined reference reciprocal number of times (YES of
Operation 1840), the dishwasher 1 stops the forward reciprocal
motion of the vane assembly 400 and moves the vane assembly 400
backward so that the vane assembly 400 reaches the first position
(Operation 1850).
[0438] Of course, if the number of times in which the vane assembly
400 makes a reciprocal motion in the forward direction, is equal to
or greater than the reference reciprocal number of times, the
dishwasher 1 may stop the forward reciprocal motion of the vane
assembly 400 and may move the vane assembly 400 backward so that
the vane assembly 400 reaches the first position P1.
[0439] The following Operations 1860 through 1890 are the same as
Operations 1630 through 1660 illustrated in FIG. 35 and thus a
description thereof will be omitted.
[0440] While the vane assembly 400 makes a reciprocal motion in the
front of the tub 30, the dishwasher 1 determines whether there is a
problem in the operation of the linear washing portion 100, by
moving the vane assembly 400 to the first position P1 every
predetermined reference reciprocal number of times or every
reference reciprocal time.
[0441] FIG. 39 illustrates a vane movement control method based on
a left washing operation according to an embodiment of the present
disclosure, and FIG. 40 illustrates a vane movement control method
based on a right washing operation according to an embodiment of
the present disclosure.
[0442] If the user inputs left washing instructions by pressing the
left washing button 94a disposed on the control panel 90, the
dishwasher 1 may wash the dishes accommodated in the left side of
the basket 21 when the left spray nozzle 330 sprays the washing
water.
[0443] In order to wash the dishes accommodated in the left side of
the tub 30, the dishwasher 1 controls the distribution valve
assembly 200 so that only the left spray nozzle 330 of the fixed
nozzle assembly 300 sprays the washing water, as illustrated in
FIG. 39.
[0444] Subsequently, the dishwasher 1 repeatedly performs an
operation of moving the vane assembly 400 in a second direction for
a first reference time and moving the vane assembly 400 in a first
direction for the first reference time again.
[0445] Thus, the dishwasher 1 may wash the dishes accommodated in
the left side of the tub 30. In other words, a washing range of the
linear washing portion 100 is the left half side of the tub 30, as
illustrated in FIG. 39.
[0446] Also, if the user inputs right washing instructions by
pressing the right washing button 94b disposed on the control panel
90, the dishwasher 1 may wash the dishes accommodated in the right
side of the basket 21 by causing the right spray nozzle 340 to
spray the washing water.
[0447] In order to wash the dishes accommodated in the right side
of the tub 30, the dishwasher 1 controls the distribution valve
assembly 200 so that only the right spray nozzle 340 of the fixed
nozzle assembly 300 may spray the washing water, as illustrated in
FIG. 40.
[0448] Subsequently, the dishwasher 1 repeatedly performs an
operation of moving the vane assembly 400 in the second direction
for the first reference time and moving the vane assembly 400 in
the first direction for the first reference time again.
[0449] Thus, the dishwasher 1 may wash the dishes accommodated in
the right side of the tub 30. In other words, a washing range of
the linear washing portion 100 is the right half side of the tub
30, as illustrated in FIG. 40.
[0450] As described above, the dishwasher 1 washes a predetermined
washing area according to the user's selection. For example, the
dishwasher 1 may wash the front, the rear, the left, and right
sides separately.
[0451] Hereinafter, an operation in which the dishwasher 1 receives
a washing area from the user and washes the received washing area,
will be described.
[0452] FIG. 41 is a flowchart for describing a division washing
operation according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and
FIGS. 42A and 42B illustrate a washing area inputting method
according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIGS. 43A
and 43B illustrate a washing area inputting method according to an
embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0453] A division washing operation 1900 in which the dishwasher 1
receives a washing area from the user and washes the received
washing area, will be described with reference to FIGS. 41 through
43.
[0454] First, the dishwasher 1 determines whether the dishwasher 1
receives the washing area from the user (Operation 1910).
[0455] The user may input the washing area to the dishwasher 1
using various methods.
[0456] A user U may input the washing area by touching or dragging
the division washing screen 700 of the control panel 90.
[0457] For example, a nozzle assembly image 730, a vane assembly
image 740, and a vane guide image 750 may be displayed on the
division washing screen 700 of the dishwasher 1.
[0458] If the user U touches the division washing screen 700, the
dishwasher 1 calculates coordinates that are touched by the user U
and displays the vane assembly image 740 on the calculated
coordinates, as illustrated in FIG. 42A and FIG. 43A.
[0459] Also, the dishwasher 1 determines whether the position
touched by the user U is the left side or right side of the vane
guide image 750.
[0460] Subsequently, the user U may move the touched portion while
maintaining contact with the division washing screen 700, thereby
inputting the washing area.
[0461] If the touched coordinates are moved in this way, the
dishwasher 1 moves the vane assembly image 740 according to a
position touched by the user U. That is, the dishwasher 1
calculates the coordinates touched by the user U every
predetermined time and displays the vane assembly image 740 on the
calculated coordinates, as illustrated in FIG. 42B and FIG.
43B.
[0462] Also, while the vane assembly image 740 is being moved, the
dishwasher 1 displays a movement portion of the vane assembly image
740 to be distinguished from other portions in which the vane
assembly image 740 is not moved.
[0463] As will be described later, the portion that is displayed to
be distinguished from other portions, is the washing area.
[0464] In this case, if an initially-touched position is the left
of the vane guide image 750 and a position at which touch is moved,
is also the left of the vane guide image 750, the dishwasher 1
displays the movement portion of the vane assembly image 740 to be
distinguished from only the left portion of the vane guide image
750 among the movement portion of the vane assembly image 740, as
illustrated in FIG. 42B.
[0465] When the vane assembly image 740 is displayed so that only
the left portion of the vane assembly image 740 among trajectories
in which the vane assembly image 740 is moved, may be distinguished
from other portions of the division washing screen 700 in this way,
the washing area is the left portion of the vane guide image 750
among the movement portion of the vane assembly image 740.
[0466] If the initially-touched position is the left of the vane
guide image 750 and the position at which touch is moved, is the
right of the vane guide image 750, the dishwasher 1 displays all
parts of the movement portion of the vane assembly image 740 to be
distinguished from each other, as illustrated in FIG. 43B.
[0467] When the vane assembly image 740 is displayed so that all
trajectories in which the vane assembly image 740 is moved, may be
distinguished from other portions of the division washing screen
700 in this way, the washing area is all parts of the movement
portion of the vane assembly image 740.
[0468] If the user U stops touch, the dishwasher 1 stops movement
of the vane assembly image 740.
[0469] Also, the dishwasher 1 displays the washing area that is
input by the user U. In this case, the washing area is a portion
that is displayed to be distinguished from other portions while the
vane guide image 750 is being moved.
[0470] Hereinafter, for understanding, a position of the vane guide
510 that corresponds to a position at which the user's touch
starts, is referred to as a fifth position P5, and a position of
the vane guide 510 that corresponds to a position at which the
user's touch is terminated, is referred to as a sixth position
P6.
[0471] As above, a method of inputting the washing area using the
division washing screen 700 disposed on the control panel 90 has
been described. However, the method of inputting the washing area
is not limited thereto.
[0472] For example, the user may accommodate the dishes in the
baskets 22a and 22b and then may mark portions of the baskets 22a
and 22b in which the dishes are accommodated, or may set the
washing area by attaching tags to the portions in which the dishes
are accommodated.
[0473] The dishwasher 1 may calculate the washing area based on the
marked portions and the portions to which the tags are attached, of
the baskets 22a and 22b.
[0474] If the washing area is input (YES of Operation 1910), the
dishwasher 1 selects a spray nozzle to spray the washing water
according to the input washing area (Operation 1920).
[0475] For example, when the washing area is displayed only on the
left of the vane guide image 750 on the division washing screen
700, the dishwasher 1 controls the distribution valve assembly 200
so that the washing water may be supplied to the left spray nozzle
330 and the washing water may not be supplied to the right spray
nozzle 340.
[0476] Also, when the washing area is displayed only on the right
of the vane guide image 750 on the division washing screen 700, the
dishwasher 1 controls the distribution valve assembly 200 so that
no washing water can be supplied to the left spray nozzle 330 and
the washing water can be supplied to the right spray nozzle
340.
[0477] Also, when the washing area is displayed on both sides of
the vane guide image 750, the dishwasher 1 controls the
distribution valve assembly 200 so that the washing water can be
supplied to both the left spray nozzle 330 and the right spray
nozzle 340.
[0478] Subsequently, the dishwasher 1 calculates a movement section
of the vane assembly 400 according to the input washing area
(Operation 1930).
[0479] For example, the dishwasher 1 calculates a position of the
fifth position P5 of the vane guide 510 and a position of the sixth
position P6 of the vane guide 510 based on the washing area input
through the division washing screen 700.
[0480] In detail, the dishwasher 1 may calculate coordinates of the
fifth position P5 based on a position at which the user starts
touch on the division washing screen 700, using a ratio of the
length of the vane guide 510 with respect to the length of the vane
guide image 750 and may calculate coordinates of the sixth position
P6 based on a position at which the user terminates touch on the
division washing screen 700.
[0481] Also, the dishwasher 1 may calculate a distance between the
first position P1 and the fifth position P5 and a distance between
the first position P1 and the sixth position P6. The dishwasher 1
may calculate the distance between the first position P1 and the
fifth position P5 and the distance between the first position P1
and the sixth position P6 based on the coordinates of the fifth
position P5 and the coordinates of the sixth position P6.
[0482] The dishwasher 1 may calculate time required so that the
vane assembly 400 can be moved from the first position P1 to the
fifth position P5, based on movement speed of the vane assembly 400
caused by rotation speed of the vane driving motor 520 and the
distance between the first position P1 and the fifth position P5.
Also, the dishwasher 1 may calculate a movement time required so
that the vane assembly 400 can be moved from the first position P1
to the fifth position P5 in the same manner.
[0483] Also, the dishwasher 1 calculates a distance between the
fifth position P5 and the sixth position P6 or a movement time at
which the vane assembly 400 is moved between the fifth position P5
and the sixth position P6.
[0484] Subsequently, the dishwasher 1 drives the distribution valve
assembly 200 and the vane driving assembly 500 so that washing can
be performed on the washing area (Operation 1940).
[0485] In detail, the dishwasher 1 drives the distribution valve
assembly 200 so that the left spray nozzle 330 or the right spray
nozzle 340 can spray the washing water according to the washing
area. Also, the dishwasher 1 drives the vane driving assembly 500
so that the vane assembly 400 can be moved according to the washing
area.
[0486] Because control of the distribution valve assembly 200 has
been described as above, hereinafter, a movement control method of
the vane assembly 400 according to the washing area will be
described.
[0487] FIGS. 44 and 45 are a flowchart and a cross-sectional view
for describing a vane movement control method according to division
washing according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0488] Referring to FIGS. 44 and 45, the dishwasher 1 moves the
vane assembly 400 in the second movement direction D2 (Operation
1941). In detail, the dishwasher 1 may drive the vane driving motor
520 in the second rotation direction.
[0489] Subsequently, the dishwasher 1 determines whether the vane
assembly 400 reaches the sixth position P6 (Operation 1942).
[0490] The dishwasher 1 may determine whether the vane assembly 400
reaches the sixth position P6, using various methods.
[0491] For example, the dishwasher 1 may determine whether the vane
assembly 400 reaches the sixth position P6, depending on whether
time at which the vane driving motor 520 is driven in the second
rotation direction, is equal to or greater than time required so
that the vane assembly 400 can be moved from the first position P1
to the sixth position P6.
[0492] As an example, the dishwasher 1 may determine whether the
vane assembly 400 reaches the sixth position P6, depending on
whether a product that is obtained by multiplying rotation
displacement in which the vane driving motor 520 is rotated in the
second rotation direction, by a radius of the driving pulley 530 is
equal to or greater than a distance between the first position P1
and the sixth position P6.
[0493] If the vane assembly 400 reaches the sixth position P6 (YES
of Operation 1942), the dishwasher 1 moves the vane assembly 400 in
the first movement direction D1 (Operation 1943). In detail, the
dishwasher 1 may drive the vane driving motor 520 in the first
rotation direction.
[0494] Subsequently, the dishwasher 1 determines whether the vane
assembly 400 reaches the fifth position P5 (Operation 1944).
[0495] The dishwasher 1 may determine whether the vane assembly 400
reaches the fifth position P5, using various methods.
[0496] For example, the dishwasher 1 may determine whether the vane
assembly 400 reaches the fifth position P5, depending on whether
time at which the vane driving motor 520 is rotated in the first
rotation direction, is equal to or greater than time required so
that the vane assembly 400 can be moved from the fifth position P5
to the sixth position P6.
[0497] As an example, when the vane driving motor 520 includes an
encoder, the dishwasher 1 may determine whether the vane assembly
400 reaches the fifth position P5, depending on whether a product
that is obtained by multiplying rotation displacement in which the
vane driving motor 520 is rotated in the first rotation direction,
by a radius of the driving pulley 530 is equal to or greater than a
distance between the fifth position P5 and the sixth position
P6.
[0498] If the vane assembly 400 reaches the fifth position P5 (YES
of Operation 1944), the dishwasher 1 moves the vane assembly 400 in
the second movement direction D2 (Operation 1945). In detail, the
dishwasher 1 may drive the vane driving motor 520 in the second
rotation direction.
[0499] Subsequently, the dishwasher 1 determines whether the vane
assembly 400 reaches the sixth position P6 (Operation 1946).
[0500] The dishwasher 1 may determine whether the vane assembly 400
reaches the sixth position P6, using various methods.
[0501] For example, the dishwasher 1 may determine whether time at
which the vane driving motor 520 is rotated in the second rotation
direction, is equal to or greater than the time required so that
the vane assembly 400 can be moved from the fifth position P5 to
the sixth position P6.
[0502] As an example, when the vane driving motor 520 includes an
encoder, the dishwasher may determine whether the vane assembly 400
reaches the sixth position P6, depending on whether a product that
is obtained by multiplying rotation displacement in which the vane
driving motor 520 is rotated in the first rotation direction, by a
radius of the driving pulley 530 is equal to or greater than the
distance between the fifth position P5 and the sixth position
P6.
[0503] If the vane assembly 400 reaches the sixth position P6 (YES
of Operation 1946), the dishwasher 1 determines whether a division
washing time elapses (Operation 1947). Here, the division washing
time may be time that is set by the user or that is previously
stored so that the dishes accommodated in the front of the tub 30
can be washed.
[0504] If the division washing time does not elapse (NO of
Operation 1947), the dishwasher 1 causes the vane assembly 400 to
make a reciprocal motion between the fifth position P5 and the
sixth position P6.
[0505] If the division washing time elapses (YES of Operation
1947), the dishwasher 1 moves the vane assembly 400 in the first
movement direction D1 (Operation 1948). In detail, the dishwasher 1
may drive the vane driving motor 520 in the first rotation
direction.
[0506] Subsequently, the dishwasher 1 determines whether the vane
assembly 400 reaches the first position P1 (Operation 1949).
[0507] The dishwasher 1 may determine whether the vane assembly 400
reaches the first position P1, using various methods.
[0508] For example, the dishwasher 1 may determine whether the vane
assembly 400 reaches the first position P1, depending on whether
time at which the vane driving motor 520 is driven in the first
rotation direction, is equal to or greater than time required so
that the vane assembly 400 can be moved from the sixth position P6
to the first position P1.
[0509] As an example, the dishwasher 1 may determine whether the
vane assembly 400 reaches the first position P1, depending on
whether a product that is obtained by multiplying rotation
displacement in which the vane driving motor 520 is rotated in the
first rotation direction, by a radius of the driving pulley 530 is
equal to or greater than the distance between the first position P1
and the sixth position P2.
[0510] As an example, when the dishwasher 1 includes a position
detector 130, the dishwasher 1 may determine whether the vane
assembly 400 reaches the first position P1, depending on whether
the position detection sensor 132 disposed at the first position P1
detects the position identification member 131 attached to the vane
assembly 400.
[0511] In this way, the dishwasher 1 may receive the washing area
from the user to perform division washing, may control the
distribution valve assembly 200 so that the left spray nozzle 330
or the right spray nozzle 340 can spray the washing water according
to the washing area input from the user and may control the vane
driving assembly 500 so that the vane assembly 400 can make a
reciprocal motion.
[0512] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a linear
washing portion can spray washing water toward edges of a washing
chamber while making a reciprocal motion in the washing
chamber.
[0513] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, when the
linear washing portion washes a small quantity of dishes by
spraying washing water while making a reciprocal motion in part of
an inside of a washing chamber, a washing time can be reduced, and
concentrative washing can also be partially performed.
[0514] The above-described embodiments may be recorded in
computer-readable media including program instructions to implement
various operations embodied by a computer. The media may also
include, alone or in combination with the program instructions,
data files, data structures, and the like. The program instructions
recorded on the media may be those specially designed and
constructed for the purposes of embodiments, or they may be of the
kind well-known and available to those having skill in the computer
software arts. Examples of computer-readable media include magnetic
media such as hard disks, floppy disks, and magnetic tape; optical
media such as CD ROM disks and DVDs; magneto-optical media such as
optical disks; and hardware devices that are specially configured
to store and perform program instructions, such as read-only memory
(ROM), random access memory (RAM), flash memory, and the like. The
computer-readable media may also be a distributed network, so that
the program instructions are stored and executed in a distributed
fashion. The program instructions may be executed by one or more
processors. The computer-readable media may also be embodied in at
least one application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or Field
Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), which executes (processes like a
processor) program instructions. Examples of program instructions
include both machine code, such as produced by a compiler, and
files containing higher level code that may be executed by the
computer using an interpreter. The above-described devices may be
configured to act as one or more software modules in order to
perform the operations of the above-described embodiments, or vice
versa.
[0515] Although a few embodiments of the present disclosure have
been shown and described, it would be appreciated by those skilled
in the art that changes may be made in these embodiments without
departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the
scope of which is defined in the claims and their equivalents.
* * * * *